Devices, systems, and methods for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods for monitoring use of consumable dispensers

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring, and devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring use of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual&#39;s adherence to a schedule for consuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual&#39;s adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual&#39;s historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/871,001 entitled “Devices, Systems, And Methods ForMonitoring Use Of Consumable Dispensers” filed on Aug. 28, 2013, and toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/871,056 entitled “Devices,Systems, And Methods For Adherence Monitoring And Patient Interaction”filed on Aug. 28, 2013, which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methodsfor adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods formonitoring use of consumable dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumables such as medication, vitamins, and supplements caneffectively benefit an individual's health. Consumables are typicallyconsumed on a regular, usually daily, schedule. The closer a patientadheres to the schedule, the better the patient's condition can bemanaged, e.g., because adequate amounts of the consumable can beconsistently present in the patient's system to consistently controladverse effects of a health condition such as asthma. Consumables forrespiratory conditions, for dermatological issues, for cardiac issues,etc., can be prescribed for dosage on a regular schedule and can havetheir maximized effectiveness if taken on the regular schedule.

It can be difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment schedulefor a variety of reasons, such as unfamiliarity with a new treatmentschedule, being busy with an activity such as work, school, napping, orathletics, and simply forgetting to take the consumables on schedule. Itcan be particularly difficult for children to remember to take theirconsumables on schedule, particularly if any doses are required while achild is away from their parent or guardian, such as during school orwhile at summer camp. Non-adherence to a prescribed schedule can causeany number of adverse effects, such as unnecessary exacerbations,repeating symptoms, required doses of emergency treatment medication,and/or hospital emergency room visits. Adhering to a schedule can thushelp better maintain a patient's health, help reduce instances ofemergency medication administration, and/or help reduce health carecosts by requiring fewer emergency hospital visits or other medicalpractitioner consultations.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved devices, systems, andmethods for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods formonitoring use of consumable dispensers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a mechanicalaccessory removably and replaceably attachable to a consumablescontainer that is movably coupled to a housing such that the movement ofthe container and the accessory as a unit relative to the housing iseffective to dispense the consumable. The accessory can include a sensorconfigured to sense when the accessory is attached to the container, aprocessor, and a wireless communication mechanism. The processor can beconfigured to cause the wireless communication mechanism to wirelesslytransmit data indicative of the sensed attachment to an external devicethat is external to the accessory and the dispenser. The accessory canbe configured to determine when the consumable is dispensed from thecontainer.

The apparatus can vary in any number of ways. For example, the sensorcan be configured to sense when the accessory is removed from thecontainer, and the processor can be configured to receive a secondsignal from the sensor in response to the sensor sensing the accessorybeing removed from the container. For another example, the sensor caninclude at least one of a motion sensor and a pressure sensor, and thesensor can be configured to sense when the consumable is dispensed fromthe dispenser. For yet another example, the sensor can be configured tosense when an electrical circuit is closed, thereby indicating that theaccessory has been attached to the container. For another example, theapparatus can include a memory. The sensor can be configured to triggerthe processor to store data in the memory regarding the attachment inresponse to the sensor sensing the attachment, and the data transmittedby the wireless communication mechanism can include the stored data.

In some embodiments, the sensor can include a pressure sensor. Thepressure sensor can be configured to have pressure applied thereto bythe container in response to the accessory being attached to thecontainer. The processor can be configured to determine that theaccessory has been attached to the container when the pressure sensorhas the pressure applied thereto. The pressure sensor can be configuredto have the pressure released therefrom in response to the accessorybeing removed from the container, and the processor can be configured todetermine that the accessory has been removed from the container whenthe pressure sensor has the pressure released therefrom.

In some embodiments, the sensor can include a motion sensor. Theprocessor can be configured to determine that the accessory has beenattached to the dispenser when the motion sensor senses a firstpredetermined motion of the accessory. The processor can be configuredto determine that the accessory has been removed from the dispenser whenthe motion sensor senses a second predetermined motion of the accessorythat is different from the first predetermined motion.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a second sensorconfigured to sense when the consumable is dispensed from the container.The apparatus can include a second mechanical accessory attachable tothe dispenser. The second accessory can include the second sensor. Theaccessory can include the sensor at a first location and can include thesecond sensor at a location that is different from the first location.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes amechanical accessory removably and replaceably attachable to aconsumables dispenser containing a consumable that is dispensable fromthe dispenser. The accessory can include a sensor configured to senseattachment of the accessory to the dispenser using one of pressuresensing and motion sensing, a processor configured to cause theaccessory to provide a first notification in response to the sensorsensing that the accessory is attached to the dispenser so as to notifya user that the accessory has been attached to the dispenser, and awireless communication mechanism. The processor can be configured tocause the wireless communication mechanism to wirelessly transmit datato an external device that is external to the accessory and thedispenser. The accessory can be configured to determine when theconsumable is dispensed from the dispenser.

The apparatus can have any number of variations. For example, the sensorcan include at least one of a motion sensor and a pressure sensor, andthe sensor can be configured to sense when the consumable is dispensedfrom the dispenser. For another example, the sensor can be configured tosense when the accessory is removed from the dispenser, and theprocessor can be configured to provide a second notification when thesensor senses that the accessory is removed from the dispenser so as tonotify the user that the accessory has been removed from the dispenser.For yet another example, the apparatus can include a second sensorconfigured to sense when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser.For another example, the dispenser can include a housing having theconsumable disposed therein, the accessory can be removably andreplaceably attachable to an external surface of the housing, and thehousing can include at least one of a pill bottle, a pill box, asqueezable tube, a squeezable bottle, a syringe, a blister pack, and arespiratory inhaler.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a housing and acontainer. The container can be disposed within the housing, thecontainer can contain the consumable therein, and the container can bemovable relative to the housing so as to cause the consumable to bedispensed. The accessory can be removably and replaceably attachable tothe container such that the accessory is movable with the containerrelative to the housing so as to cause the consumable to be dispensed.

In another aspect, a method is provided that in one embodiment includesattaching a mechanical accessory to a container of a consumablesdispenser movably disposed within a housing of the consumablesdispenser, and moving the accessory and the container relative to thehousing so as to dispense a consumable contained in the container. Asensor can sense the attachment, and a transmitter can wirelesslytransmit first data from the accessory to an external device. The firstdata can be indicative of the sensed attachment. The external device canbe external to the accessory and the dispenser. The transmitter canwirelessly transmit second data from the accessory to the externaldevice. The second data can be indicative of the dispensing.

The method can vary in any number of ways. For example, the method caninclude detaching the accessory from the container. The sensor can sensethe detachment, the transmitter can wirelessly transmit third data fromthe accessory to the external device, and the third data can beindicative of the sensed detachment. For another example, the method caninclude, after the sensed detachment, attaching the accessory to asecond container containing a second consumable. The sensor can sensethe attachment of the accessory to the second container, the transmittercan wirelessly transmit third data from the accessory to the externaldevice, and the third data can be indicative of the sensed attachment tothe second container. For yet another example, the method can include,with the accessory attached to the dispenser, providing a notificationto a user indicating that the consumable is due to be consumed accordingto a predetermined schedule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a consumablesadministration, management, and review system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a network systemincluding the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a computer system;

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a consumables dispenserhaving an accessory removably and replaceably attached thereto;

FIG. 5 is a side partially transparent view of the consumables dispenserand the accessory of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective partially transparent view of one embodiment ofan accessory configured to be removably and replaceably attached to aconsumables dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the accessory of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is side cross-sectional view of the accessory of FIG. 7, theaccessory removably and replaceably attached to a consumables dispenser;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a spin ring of the accessoryof FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a printed circuit board ofthe accessory of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a main body of the accessoryof FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having first and secondaccessories attached thereto;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a pill bottle having first and secondaccessories attached thereto;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a pill bottle having first and secondaccessories attached thereto;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a lotion bottle having first and secondaccessories attached thereto;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a pill box having first and second accessoriesattached thereto;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a tube of cream having first and secondaccessories attached thereto;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an accessoryattached thereto;

FIG. 21 is a side partially transparent view of another embodiment of aconsumables dispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having firstand second accessories attached thereto;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an accessoryattached thereto;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a pill bottle having an accessory attachedthereto;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an accessoryattached thereto;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an accessoryattached thereto;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumablesdispenser in the form of a pill box having an accessory attachedthereto; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an adherencemonitoring and patient interaction system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of theembodiments generally have similar features, and thus within aparticular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is notnecessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent thatlinear or circular dimensions are used in the description of thedisclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are notintended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunctionwith such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the artwill appreciate that an equivalent to such linear and circulardimensions can be easily determined for any geometric shape.

Various exemplary devices, systems, and methods are provided foradherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods for monitoringuse of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, andmethods can facilitate an individual's adherence to a schedule forconsuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of theindividual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, andmethods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherenceto the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. A user such asthe individual, the individual's family, the individual's care provider,a director of a clinical trial involving the individual, etc. can thusaccess the adherence data even when remotely located from theindividual, which can facilitate evaluation and/or modification of theindividual's treatment involving the consumable, facilitate evaluationand/or modification of the clinical trial involving the individual,and/or can facilitate incentivizing the individual to adhere to theschedule. Examples of consumables include medications, vitamins,supplements, foods, and cosmetics.

In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured toattach to consumable dispensers, e.g., pill bottles, asthma inhalers,etc. The consumable dispensers can be existing dispensers retrofittedwith the accessory or can be custom-made dispensers integrated with theaccessory. The accessory can include a notification mechanism configuredto provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain eventoccurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. For example,the accessory can include a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode(LED)) configured to light up when the next dose (also referred toherein as a “dosage”) of a consumable is due, a speaker configured toprovide an audible sound when the next dose of a consumable is due, avibration mechanism configured to vibrate when the next dose of aconsumable is due, and/or a temperature-changing element configured toincrease or decrease in temperature when the next dose of a consumableis due. The accessory can include an on-board timer configured totrigger the notification mechanism to provide a notification, e.g.,light, sound, vibration, etc. The accessory can also include a powersource, e.g., a battery, configured to power the timer and thenotification mechanism. The notification can help people of any age moreeasily adhere to their consumables schedule. Ailments such as asthma cantherefore be better regulated through maintenance treatment, and peoplecan be less likely to need to resort to unscheduled, emergencytreatments, such as use of a rescue inhaler. The accessory can beconfigured to detect usage of the dispenser by being pressed when aconsumable is dispensed from the dispenser so as to “wake up” aprocessor coupled to the accessory. In response to the detected usage,the processor can be configured to record the date and time of thedispenser's usage in a storage unit, such as an on-board memory. Thestored data can be transmitted to an external source, e.g., computersystem, that can store the data in a network cloud, where the data canbe accessed via a user interface, such as a web interface. The userinterface can allow a user to view and/or analyze the person'sconsumable usage trends.

In an exemplary embodiment, the accessory can be configured to beremovably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can beconfigured to be used in any adherence/compliance application forconsumables, such as creams for dermatology patients, inhalers fornon-asthma respiratory ailments, pill bottles, blister packs, pillboxes, syringes, squeezable bottles, and squeezable tubes. The accessorycan thus be configured for use in monitoring and improving adherence andcompliance for people and care-providers of people (e.g., doctors,parents, etc.) who could benefit from improved adherence, environmentalmonitoring, and/or behavior modification. For example, it can bebeneficial for certain consumables to be consumed at a same time everyday. The accessory can be configured to monitor use of a dispenser thatdispenses consumables, thereby facilitating a person's adherence to aschedule of consuming the consumable at a same time every day and/ormonitoring the person's adherence to the schedule.

The accessory can be configured to detect attachment and detachmentthereof from a consumables dispenser. The detection of the attachmentcan facilitate registration of the accessory when attached to thedispenser, e.g., registration of the accessory over a network tofacilitate association of the accessory with a specific person, aspecific consumable, and/or a specific dispenser. The detection of theremoval can facilitate various actions regarding the accessory and/orthe consumable associated with the consumables dispenser from which theaccessory has been removed. For example, the detection of the removalcan facilitate timely reattachment of the accessory to the dispenser ifthe accessory was accidentally removed therefrom. For another example,the detection of the removal can signal to a care provider of a personthat the person's accessory was removed from the person's consumabledispenser, thereby indicating that the person may be less likely toconsume the consumable according to a predetermined schedule and/or thatthe care provider should discuss the reason for the accessory's removalwith the person.

FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a system 10 configured tofacilitate adherence monitoring and monitoring use of consumabledispensers. The system 10 can include a mechanical accessory 12 (alsoreferred to herein as an “accessory”), a wireless bridge 14, a network16 (also referred to herein as a “distributed computing system”), amemory 18, and an interface 20 (also referred to herein as a “computersystem” and a “client station”). In general, the accessory 12 can beattached to a consumables dispenser (not shown) configured to dispense aconsumable disposed therein. The dispenser can include any of a varietyof dispensers, such as an asthma inhaler, an inhaler for a non-asthmarespiratory ailment, a liquid or semi-liquid dispenser such as amedicament tube or pump such as for a topical cream or a topical gel,blister packs for capsules and/or other types of pills, a pill bottle, asyringe, a squeezable bottle, and a squeezable tube. The accessory 12can be configured to detect attachment of the accessory to thedispenser, detect removal of the accessory from the dispenser, detectusage of the dispenser so as to determine when a consumable has beendispensed from the dispenser, and/or provide a notification to a person22 when a consumable from the dispenser is due according to apredetermined schedule.

The accessory 12 can be configured to provide data regarding dispensingof the consumable to an external device, such as the interface 20. Thedata can be transmitted from the accessory 12 to the interface 20 usingwireless communication, e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc., over the network16, e.g., the Internet, a cloud, a local area network (LAN), etc., viathe wireless bridge 14. However, as will be appreciated by a personskilled in the art, the system 10 need not include the wireless bridge14 if the accessory 12 is configured to communicate over the network 16using a wired connection instead of a wireless connection. The datacommunicated to the interface 20 from the accessory 12 can optionally besupplemented with data stored in and transmitted from the memory 18,such as health record data for the person 22 (e.g., complete electronichealth record (EHR) of the person 22, person name, person age, personmedical record number, any medications or other consumables being takenby the person 22, identities of care providers for the person 22,medical diagnoses of the person 22, data for the person 22 previouslytransmitted by the accessory 12, geographic home of the person 22, etc.)and environmental data (which can be helpful in analyzing data forasthma and other respiratory ailments) such as weather data, trafficdata, dust data, and pollen data. Similarly, data transmitted to thememory 18 can be stored therein so as to be associated with a recordalready stored therein, e.g., data gathered by the accessory 12 beingadded to the person's EHR stored in the memory 18. The interface 20 canbe configured to analyze the data received from the accessory 12 and canbe configured to provide the received data and/or results of theanalysis on a user interface (not shown) for review by one or more userssuch as the person 22 and a user 24 associated with the person 22, suchas a family member of the person 22, a friend of the person 22, or amedical care provider (doctor, nurse, clinical trial director, etc.) forthe person 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface can becustomized based on an identity of the user accessing the interface 20.

Any of a variety of users can access, interact with, control, etc. auser interface from any of a variety of locations. For example, as shownin an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the user interface can beaccessible over a network 100 (e.g., over the Internet via cloudcomputing) from any number of client stations 102 in any number oflocations such as a medical facility 104 (e.g., a hospital, an operatingroom (OR), a nurse's station, a medical device distribution facility, amedical device company, a hospital's sterilization, records, or billingdepartments, etc.), a home base 106 (e.g., a person's home or office, asurgeon's home or office, etc.), a mobile location 108, and so forth.The client station(s) 102 can access the user interface through a wiredand/or wireless connection to the network 100 such that the userinterface is displayed on a display screen thereof, e.g., an LCD(liquid-crystal display), ePaper, a touch screen, etc. In an exemplaryembodiment, at least some of the client station(s) 102 can access theuser interface wirelessly, e.g., through WiFi connection(s), which canfacilitate accessibility of the user interface from almost any locationin the world. Data can be transmitted wirelessly using an existingprotocol such as 802.11 or a proprietary protocol, e.g., a protocol thatoptimizes power, data, and range for a particular use more than anexisting protocol. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical facility 104 includesclient stations 102 in the form of a tablet and a computer touch screen,the home base 106 includes client stations 102 in the form of a mobilephone having a touch screen and a desktop computer, and the mobilelocation 108 includes client stations 102 in the form of a tablet and amobile phone, but the medical facility 104, the home base 106, and themobile location 108 can include any number and any type of clientstations. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface can beaccessible by an interface via a web address and/or a client application(also referred to herein as an “app”).

It will be appreciated that the user interface can be accessible usingone or more security features such that the aspects of the userinterface available to any particular user can be determined based onthe identity of the user and/or the location from which the user isaccessing the user interface. To that end, each user can have a uniqueusername, password, and/or other security credentials to facilitateaccess to the user interface. The received security parameterinformation can be checked against a database of authorized users todetermine whether the user is authorized and to what extent the user ispermitted to interact with the user interface, view stored information,and so forth. Examples of users who can be permitted to access a userinterface include patients, potential patients, significant others,friends, and family members of patients or potential patients, surgicaltechnicians, imaging technicians (e.g., x-ray technicians, MRItechnicians, etc.), surgeons, nurses, hospital administrators, surgicalequipment manufacturer employees, insurance providers, and operatingroom directors.

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be implementedusing one or more computer systems, which as mentioned above are alsoreferred to herein as interfaces and client stations.

FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a computer system 200. Asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the computer system 200 can includeone or more processors 202 which can control the operation of thecomputer system 200. The processor(s) 202 can include any type ofmicroprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), including programmablegeneral-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors and/or any one of avariety of proprietary or commercially available single ormulti-processor systems. The computer system 200 can also include one ormore memories 204, which can provide temporary storage for code to beexecuted by the processor(s) 202 or for data acquired from one or moreusers, storage devices, and/or databases. The memory 204 can includeread-only memory (ROM), flash memory, one or more varieties of randomaccess memory (RAM) (e.g., static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), orsynchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), and/or a combination of memory technologies.

The various elements of the computer system 200 can be coupled to a bussystem 212. The illustrated bus system 212 is an abstraction thatrepresents any one or more separate physical busses, communicationlines/interfaces, and/or multi-drop or point-to-point connections,connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, and/or controllers. Thecomputer system 200 can also include one or more network interface(s)206, one or more input/output (I/O) interface(s) 208, and one or morestorage device(s) 210.

The network interface(s) 206 can enable the computer system 200 tocommunicate with remote devices, e.g., other computer systems, over anetwork, and can be, for example, remote desktop connection interfaces,Ethernet adapters, and/or other local area network (LAN) adapters. TheI/O interface(s) 208 can include one or more interface components toconnect the computer system 200 with other electronic equipment. Forexample, the I/O interface(s) 208 can include high speed data ports,such as universal serial bus (USB) ports, 1394 ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,etc. Additionally, the computer system 200 can be accessible to a user,and thus the I/O interface(s) 208 can include display screens, speakers,keyboards, pointing devices, and/or various other video, audio, oralphanumeric interfaces. The storage device(s) 210 can include anyconventional unit or medium for storing data in a non-volatile and/ornon-transient manner. The storage device(s) 210 can thus hold dataand/or instructions in a persistent state, i.e., the value is retaineddespite interruption of power to the computer system 100. The storagedevice(s) 210 can include one or more hard disk drives, flash drives,USB drives, optical drives, various media cards, diskettes, compactdiscs, and/or any combination thereof and can be directly connected tothe computer system 200 or remotely connected thereto, such as over anetwork. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device(s) can include atangible or non-transitory computer readable medium configured to storedata, e.g., a hard disk drive, a flash drive, a USB drive, an opticaldrive, a media card, a diskette, a compact disc, etc.

The elements illustrated in FIG. 3 can be some or all of the elements ofa single physical machine. In addition, not all of the illustratedelements need to be located on or in the same physical machine.Exemplary computer systems include conventional desktop computers,workstations, minicomputers, laptop computers, tablet computers,personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, and the like.

The computer system 200 can include a web browser for retrieving webpages or other markup language streams, presenting those pages and/orstreams (visually, aurally, or otherwise), executing scripts, controlsand other code on those pages/streams, accepting user input with respectto those pages/streams (e.g., for purposes of completing input fields),issuing Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests with respect tothose pages/streams or otherwise (e.g., for submitting to a serverinformation from the completed input fields), and so forth. The webpages or other markup language can be in HyperText Markup Language(HTML) or other conventional forms, including embedded Extensible MarkupLanguage (XML), scripts, controls, and so forth. The computer system 200can also include a web server for generating and/or delivering the webpages to client computer systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system 200 can be provided as asingle unit, e.g., as a single server, as a single tower, containedwithin a single housing, etc. The systems and methods disclosed hereincan thus be provided as a singular unit configured to provide thevarious modules, display the various user interfaces, and capture thedata described herein. The singular unit can be modular such thatvarious aspects thereof can be swapped in and out as needed for, e.g.,upgrade, replacement, maintenance, etc., without interruptingfunctionality of any other aspects of the system. The singular unit canthus also be scalable with the ability to be added to as additionalmodules and/or additional functionality of existing modules are desiredand/or improved upon.

While some embodiments are described herein in the context of web pages,it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more of thedescribed functions can be performed without the use of web pages and/orby other than web browser software. A computer system can also includeany of a variety of other software and/or hardware components, includingfor example, operating systems and database management systems. Althoughan exemplary computer system is depicted and described herein, it willbe appreciated that this is for sake of generality and convenience. Inother embodiments, the computer system may differ in architecture andoperation from that shown and described here.

Referring again to the system 10 of FIG. 1, the wireless bridge 14 canhave a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The wireless bridge14 can include a base station 38 and a router 40, as in the illustratedembodiment. A person skilled in the art will appreciate, however, thatthe wireless bridge 14 can include these and/or other components tofacilitate electronic communication, similar to that discussed aboveregarding the network interface 32. The base station 38 and/or therouter 40 can, as mentioned above, be included as part of the accessory12 or can be remotely located therefrom, such as at the patient's home,the patient's school, the patient's work office, the patient's doctor'soffice, the patient's day care center, etc. The accessory 12 can beconfigured to communicate with only one base station 38, or with aplurality of pre-approved or pre-registered base stations 38, which canhelp ensure that data regarding the patient 22 is not transmitted to anunauthorized area. Embodiments of wireless bridges are further discussedin Intl. App. No. PCT/US13/047,507 (Intl. Pub. No. WO 2014/004437)entitled “Devices, Systems, And Methods For Adherence Monitoring AndPatient Interaction” filed Jun. 25, 2013, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

As mentioned above, any of a variety of users can access, interact with,control, etc. a user interface, with the user interface optionally beingcustomized for a category of a particular user, such as any one or moreof a relationship of the user to the person 22 (e.g., the patient, afamily member of the patient, a care provider for the patient, etc.), agender of the user, and an age of the user. The user interface canprovide data regarding any one or more aspects of a system including anaccessory, a consumable associated with the accessory, and a personassociated with the consumable. In addition to providing data to a user,the user interface can be configured to accept user input, e.g., via anI/O device, and data input by the user can be stored in any one or morememories. For example, the user interface can be configured to prompt auser to enter data in response to a question regarding consumableadministration that can help explain any anomalies, e.g., a questionasking what the patient was doing or experiencing when emergencymedication was administered (e.g., playing sports, sleeping, attendingschool class, suffering from allergies, etc.), etc., a question askingwhy a consumable dosage was missed, etc. An accessory's processor and/ora processor located remotely from the accessory can be configured toanalyze input answers so as to “learn” patient behavior and incorporatethe “learned” behavior into, e.g., recommendations regarding thepatient's treatment plan and predictions of the patient's futurebehavior. The system can be configured to generate and provide a reportproviding results of analysis using data from the accessory, which canhelp the person 22 and/or one or more of the person's care providers(e.g., doctors, family members, etc.) evaluate the person's consumablesusage, facilitate the development of questions tailored to the person'sspecific history, and/or facilitate comparison of the person'sconsumables usage with clinical trends. Embodiments of user interfacesthat can be configured for use with a system including an accessory aredescribed in more detailed in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/US13/047,507.

The system 10 as a whole can be integrated with one or more externaldevices, such as a lung function device/peak flow meter. The dataprovided by the external device(s) can be combined with the datacollected by the system 10, e.g., data gathered by the accessory 12attached to a consumables dispenser, to provide a more comprehensivepicture of the person's status, to perform additional analytics, and soon.

The accessory 12 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, andconfigurations. In general, the accessory 12 can be mechanical, e.g., aphysical component including machinery and/or electrical elements. Theaccessory 12 can be configured to be removably and replaceably attachedto the dispenser so as to allow the accessory 12 to be attached to theperson's existing dispenser and/or to be removed from an empty dispenserand attached to another dispenser. Examples of the accessory include acap configured to attach to an end of a dispenser, a band or strapconfigured to wrap at least partially around a dispenser, and a boxconfigured to attach to a surface of a dispenser. As mentioned above,the accessory 12 can instead be integrally attached to a dispenser, suchas by being integrally formed therewith during manufacturing of thedispenser before a consumer receives the dispenser.

The accessory 12 can include any one or more of an activation member 26,a sensor 28, an actuator 30, a network interface 32, a processor 34, anda power source 36. Each of the activation member 26, the sensor 28, theactuator 30, the network interface 32, the processor 34, and the powersource 36 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations.

The activation member 26 can be configured to be activated when aconsumable is dispensed from the dispenser, and in some embodiments, theactivation member 26 can be configured to be automatically activatedwhen the consumable is dispensed. In other words, the consumable beingdispensed in its ordinary way can activate the activation member 26 suchthat a user of the dispenser need not perform any special action toactivate the activation member 26. The activation member 26 can thus beintegrated into the functionality of the dispenser, which can help theaccessory 12 gather data regarding the consumable, as discussed furtherbelow. For example, the activation member 26 can be positioned at an endof a respiratory inhaler and can be configured to be pushed down by auser to push down a medication canister and release a metered-dose ofrespiratory medication from the inhaler such that, even without theaccessory 12 attached thereto, the canister can be configured to bepushed down by a user to release a metered-dose of respiratorymedication from the inhaler. The activation member 26 can thus beconfigured to move when the respiratory medication is dispensed.

The activation member 26 can include a depressible member. For example,the depressible member can include a button, e.g., a push button, butthe depressible member can be in another form, such as a depressibleswitch or a force sensitive resistor. Pushing the accessory 12, e.g.,pushing on an inhaler to release a consumable therefrom, canautomatically activate the activation member 26 as well as cause theconsumable to be released.

Another example of the activation member 26 includes a motion-sensitivemember such as a motion sensor configured to sense movement of theaccessory 12. For example, the motion-sensitive member can be positionedat an end of a respiratory inhaler (e.g., an asthma inhaler) and can beconfigured to be moved by a user to move the inhaler's medicationcanister to release a metered-dose of respiratory medication from theinhaler such that, even without the accessory 12 attached thereto, thecanister can be configured to be moved by a user to release ametered-dose of respiratory medication from the inhaler, such that themotion-sensitive member can sense movement when the accessory 12 ispushed down. For another example, a first motion-sensitive member can bepositioned on an exterior plastic container of a respiratory inhaler(e.g., an asthma inhaler), and a second motion-sensitive member can bepositioned on a medication canister that is at least partially encasedby the exterior plastic container and that is movable relative theretowhen medication is dispensed. A difference in motion detected by the twomotion-sensitive members can indicate that a consumable was dispensed.For another example, a first motion-sensitive member can be coupled to aconsumables dispenser at a first location, and a second motion-sensitivemember can be coupled to the consumables dispenser at a second,different location. The two motion-sensitive members can be configuredto sense movement in different areas of the dispenser that can togetherprovide sensed data indicative of a consumable being dispensed, e.g.,movement sensed by a first motion-sensitive member coupled to a bottlecap and movement sensed by a second motion-sensitive member coupled to amain body of the bottle to which the cap is releasable attached.

When the activation member 26 is activated, thereby indicating that aconsumable is being dispensed, the activation member 26 can beconfigured to activate or “wake up” the processor 34. The activationmember 26 can thus be configured to trigger data gathering by theprocessor 34. The activation member 26 can be configured to “wake up”the processor 34 in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by aperson skilled in the art, such as by the activation member 26 beingconfigured to cause an activation signal to be transmitted to theprocessor 34. The activation signal can cause the processor 34 toperform one or more functions in connection with dispensing of theconsumable. For example, the activation member 26 can be configured tocause a circuit to close when the activation member 26 is in a depressedposition. The circuit can correspondingly be open when the activationmember 26 is in a non-depressed position. The closing of the circuit cancause an activation signal to be transmitted to the processor 34 and/orfor a circuit within the processor 34 to be closed.

The activation of the activation member 26 can be enough to cause theprocessor 34 to perform function(s) in connection with dispensing of theconsumable. However, in some embodiments, the processor 34 can beconfigured to perform the function(s) in connection with dispensing ofthe consumable in response to receipt of the activation signal only upona secondary determination that consumable was dispensed. In other words,the processor 34 can be configured to check for false positives. Thesensor 28 can be configured to facilitate the secondary determination.The sensor 28 can help eliminate false positives when, for example, thedispenser is within a backpack or other bag and is jarred against a sideof the bag so as to unintentionally move the activation member 26 (e.g.,partially depress the activation member 26, jostle the activation member26 so as to register kinetic motion, etc.) and activate or “wake-up” theprocessor 34 even though a consumable was not actually dispensed.

The sensor 28 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations.The sensor 28 can be configured to sense at least one conditionindicative of the consumable being dispensed from the dispenser. Thesensor 28 can be configured to transmit data regarding its sensedparameter(s) to the processor 34, which can be configured to analyze thereceived sensed data to help determine whether a consumable wasdispensed from the dispenser. In general, the processor 34 can beconfigured to determine if the sensed parameter is above or below apredetermined threshold amount for the sensed parameter and concludebased on that determination whether the sensed parameter indicates thata consumable was dispensed.

The accessory 12 can include any number of sensors 28. If the accessory12 includes a plurality of sensors 28, the sensors 28 can be configuredto sense at least two different parameters so as to provide a pluralityof different factors to aid in the processor's secondary determinationof the consumable being dispensed or not. For example, the accessory 12can include a pressure sensor and a motion sensor. Alternatively, if theaccessory 12 includes a plurality of sensors 28, each of the sensors 28can be configured to sense a same parameter so as to provide a pluralityof measurements of the parameter that can be compared with one anotherto assess whether a consumable was dispensed. For example, the accessory12 can include a plurality of motion sensors.

The sensor 28 can be configured to continuously sense data, or thesensor 28 can be configured to sporadically sense data based onactivation of the activation member 26. The sensor 28 continuouslysensing data can help ensure that the sensor 28 has adequate dataavailable each time the processor 34 is activated by the activationmember 26. Continually sensing data can help the processor 34 “learn”ambient conditions of the dispenser, the accessory 12, and/or theconsumable over time, which can help the processor 34 better distinguishfalse positives from actual instances of the consumable being dispensed.The sensor 28 can be configured to sporadically sense data by beingtriggered by the processor 34 to begin sensing. The processor 34 can beconfigured to provide such a trigger when the processor 34 is activatedby the activation member 26. Sporadically sensing data can consume lesspower than continuously sensing data, which can help prolong a life ofthe accessory 12.

Examples of the sensor 28 include a motion sensor, a pH sensor, atemperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an audio sensor, an air pressuresensor, and a geographic location sensor. Various embodiments of thesensor 28 are described in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/US13/047,507. Generally, the motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, agyroscope, a magnetic field sensor, etc.) can be configured to sensemotion (e.g., movement, shock, vibration, orientation, etc.) of theaccessory 12, the pH sensor can be configured to sense a pH at alocation where the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser, thetemperature sensor can be configured to sense a change in temperatureand/or humidity such as a change in temperature and/or humidity of thedispenser, the pressure sensor can be configured to sense a weight orpressure being exerted thereon, the audio sensor (e.g., a microphone,etc.) can be configured to sense a sound of consumable dispensing, andthe geographic location sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)sensor, etc.) can be configured to sense a geographic location.

In some embodiments, an external device (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) caninclude a geographic location sensor that can provide geographiclocation information that can be used in combination with data sensed bythe accessory's sensor 28 to help the processor 34 determine whether aconsumable was dispensed from a dispenser to which the accessory iscoupled. For example, if sensed kinetic motion from a motion sensor ofthe accessory 12 indicates motion indicative of consumable dispensing,and geographic location information from the external device indicates apredetermined location where the person 22 typically dispensesconsumables (e.g., the person's home, an eating location such as theperson's kitchen, the person's school cafeteria, a restaurant, etc.),then the processor 34 can be configured to determine that the consumablewas dispensed. Conversely, if the geographic location information fromthe external device indicates a predetermined location where consumablesare not typically dispensed (e.g., a highway, a subway line, etc.), theprocessor 34 can be configured to determine that, despite the motiondata indicating a motion that could be indicative of a consumable beingdispensed, a consumable was not dispensed, such as because the dispenseris being jostled during transportation.

In some embodiments, the accessory's sensor 28 can include a pressuresensor, which can be attached to a consumables dispenser at a locationwhere a weight or pressure is applied to the dispenser to dispense theconsumable. In other words, a weight or pressure applied to dispense theconsumable will also be applied to the pressure sensor. If the weight orpressure sensed by the pressure sensor is above a predeterminedthreshold amount of weight or pressure, a processor (e.g., the processor34 on board the accessory and/or a remote processor that can communicatewith the accessory) can be configured to determine that a consumable wasdispensed from a dispenser coupled to the accessory because weight orpressure exerted on the pressure sensor increased enough to indicatethat the consumable was dispensed, e.g., a canister was pushed down soas to dispense a consumable. The predetermined threshold amount ofweight or pressure can vary based on the dispenser, as differentdispensers can require a different amount of user-caused motion todispense a consumable from the dispenser. For one example of a pressuresensor of an accessory, the pressure sensor can be positioned at abottom of a medication canister containing respiratory medication thatis pushed down to dispense medication therefrom, thereby exertingpressure on the pressure sensor disposed beneath the canister. Such alocation of a pressure sensor is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 21,discussed further below, where an accessory 1306 including a pressuresensor is positioned at a bottom of a canister 1302. For another exampleof a pressure sensor of an accessory, the pressure sensor can be locatedon a cap of a pill bottle, e.g., on an internal surface thereof, and canbe configured to be removed from the bottle when the cap is removed fromthe bottle, e.g., the cap is unscrewed, the cap is snapped off, etc. Thecap being removed from the bottle can release pressure being exerted onthe cap by the bottle. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor of theaccessory can be located on the pill bottle instead of on the cap suchthat removal of the cap from the bottle can release pressure beingexerted thereby on the pressure sensor.

For another example of a pressure sensor of an accessory, the pressuresensor can be positioned at a portion of a consumables dispenser thattypically rests on a table, shelf, or other surface when the dispenseris not in use. When resting on a surface, a weight or pressure will becontinuously applied to the pressure sensor. If the weight or pressuresensed by the pressure sensor decreases by at least a predeterminedthreshold amount of weight or pressure, a processor (e.g., the processor34 on board the accessory and/or a remote processor that can communicatewith the accessory) can be configured to determine that the consumablewas dispensed because weight or pressure exerted on the pressure sensorby the surface was removed, e.g., one or more pills were removed from apill bottle having the accessory coupled to a bottom thereof thattypically rests on a surface when the bottle is not in use. Thepredetermined threshold amount of weight or pressure can vary based onthe dispenser, because different consumables can have different weightsand because different prescriptions can require different amounts ofconsumables to be dispensed at a time. Such a location is shown, forexample, in the embodiment of FIG. 19, discussed further below, with anaccessory 1100 including a pressure sensor being positioned at a cap1104 on which a tube 1102 typically rests when the tube 1102 is not inuse.

In some embodiments, the sensor 28 can be disposed adjacent an openingof the dispenser through which the consumables can be dispensed. Achange in a condition adjacent the opening can be detected by the sensor28, thereby indicating that a consumable was dispensed. For example, thesensor 28 can be disposed adjacent a mouthpiece of a consumablesdispenser, such as a mouthpiece of a respiratory inhaler, through whichthe consumables can exit the dispenser so as to be dispensed. In anexemplary embodiment, the sensor 28 can be positioned within a pathwaywithin the dispenser through which the consumable passes before exitingthe dispenser. The sensor 28 can thus be protected from inadvertentdamage by being exposed outside the dispenser and/or can be less likelyto detect ambient conditions outside the dispenser that may causeregistration of a false positive of a consumable being dispensed. Such alocation is shown, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 22, discussedfurther below, with an accessory 1400 positioned adjacent a mouthpiece1402 within a consumables pathway 1406.

One example of a sensor configured to sense at least one conditionindicative of the consumable being dispensed from the dispenser is anair pressure sensor. Some types of consumables can cause air pressureadjacent the consumable's exit area from the dispenser to temporarilychange when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. The airpressure sensor can be positioned adjacent a consumable exit area suchthat the consumable passes thereby and/or therethrough when theconsumable is dispensed from the dispenser. For example, respiratorymedication administered through a mouthpiece of a medication dispensercan cause air pressure to temporarily change, e.g., increase, at themouthpiece when medication is dispensed therefrom. The air pressuresensor can thus be located adjacent the mouthpiece. Such a location isshown, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 22 with the accessory 1400positioned adjacent the mouthpiece 1402 within the consumables pathway1406.

If air pressure sensed by the air pressure sensor is outside apredetermined air pressure range, is above a predetermined air pressuretemperature, and/or changes by more than a predetermined thresholdamount, a processor (e.g., the processor 34 on board the accessoryand/or a remote processor that can communicate with the accessory) canbe configured to determine that a consumable was dispensed from adispenser to which the accessory is coupled because the air pressurechanged enough to indicate that the consumable was dispensed. Forexample, at least some respiratory medications dispensed from an inhalercan cause air pressure within the dispenser's mouthpiece to temporarilychange, e.g., increase, in air pressure. The air pressure sensor canthus facilitate determination that medication was dispensed from thedispenser. For another example, some consumable dispensers arepressurized, such as canisters of respiratory inhalers, and change inair pressure when damaged, e.g., decrease in air pressure if thecanister cracks or otherwise breaks. The air pressure sensor canfacilitate determination of dispenser damage by detecting a decrease inair pressure since such a decrease would typically only be indicative ofan error such as dispenser damage.

Another example of a sensor configured to sense at least one conditionindicative of the consumable being dispensed from the dispenser is atemperature sensor. Some types of consumables can cause a temperatureadjacent the consumable's exit area from the dispenser to temporarilychange when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. Thetemperature sensor can be positioned adjacent consumable exit area suchthat consumable passes thereby and/or therethrough when the consumableis dispensed from the dispenser. Similar to that discussed aboveregarding the air pressure sensor, if the temperature sensed by thetemperature sensor changes by more than a predetermined thresholdamount, a processor can be configured to determine that a consumable wasdispensed from a dispenser to which the accessory is coupled because thetemperature changed enough to indicate that the consumable was dispensedand/or that an error such as dispenser damage occurred. For example,respiratory medication administered through a mouthpiece of a medicationdispenser can cause a temperature adjacent the mouthpiece to temporarilychange, e.g., decrease, at the mouthpiece when medication is dispensedtherefrom. The temperature sensor can thus be located adjacent themouthpiece. Such a location is shown, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 22 with the accessory 1400 positioned adjacent the mouthpiece 1402within the consumables pathway 1406.

In some embodiments, the sensor configured to sense at least onecondition indicative of the consumable being dispensed from thedispenser can include a motion sensor. A change in kinetic motion of theaccessory, and hence the dispenser to which the accessory is attached,can indicate that a consumable was dispensed from the dispenser. Forexample, if the motion sensor is attached to a pill box and the motionsensor senses that the box was titled, a processor (on-board theaccessory and/or located off-board from the accessory) in communicationwith the motion sensor can infer that a consumable was dispensed fromthe pill box. In addition, as discussed herein, the processor can beconfigured to consider one or more additional data that can be used tofurther confirm or to refute that a consumable was dispensed, such asinformation from a second motion sensor attached to the pill box. Themotion sensor can be configured to be omnidirectional, e.g., sensemotion in every direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the motion sensorcan be three-dimensional, e.g., sense motion in three directions such asalong x, y, and z axes. If the motion sensed by the motion sensor isabove a predetermined threshold amount of motion, a processor (on-boardthe accessory and/or located off-board from the accessory) can beconfigured to determine that a consumable was dispensed because theaccessory including the sensor moved enough to cause the consumable tobe dispensed from the dispenser to which the accessory is attached. Thepredetermined threshold amount of motion can vary based on thedispenser, as different dispensers can require a different amount ofuser-caused motion to dispense a consumable from the dispenser.Accessories including motion sensors are shown, for example, in theembodiments of FIGS. 14-20 and 23-26, which are discussed further below.

In some embodiments, the motion sensor can be configured to sense motion(e.g., tilting, shaking, rotation, a jolt, etc.) and to senseorientation. If the motion sensor is configured to sense orientation, aprocessor (on-board the accessory and/or located off-board from theaccessory) can be configured to determine whether the sensed orientationmatches a predetermined orientation indicative of aconsumable-dispensing position of the dispenser. For example,respiratory inhalers are typically held in an upright position whenmedication is dispensed in order for the dispenser to be comfortablyheld by hand with the dispenser's mouthpiece at a person's mouth. Themotion sensor sensing this orientation can thus be indicative of aconsumable being dispensed. In some embodiments, the motion sensorsensing this orientation for at least a predetermined minimum amount oftime can be indicative of the consumable being dispensed, while themotion sensor sensing this orientation for less than the predeterminedminimum amount of time can be dismissed as not being indicative of aconsumable being dispensed, e.g., because the dispenser was only brieflyin that orientation while being dropped into a person's purse. Foranother example, a type of the motion sensed can be indicative ofwhether a consumable was dispensed, such as a small vibration typicallynot being indicative of dispensing, but a sensed motion that correspondswith lifting a dispenser, then tilting the dispenser, and then placingthe dispenser back to its original position typically indicatesdispensing.

In some embodiments, the motion sensor can be positioned on an externalsurface of a consumables dispenser, such as a strap or band that can bewrapped around an external surface of the dispenser. The accessoryincluding the motion sensor can thus be retrofitted to existingconsumable dispensers without requiring any modification of thedispenser (other than the simple attachment of the accessory thereto).

In some embodiments, the motion sensor can be included as part of astrap or band configured to attach to a consumables dispenser, and thestrap or band can be configured to sense one or more environmentalfactors (e.g., temperature, humidity, vibration, time of day, etc.).Sensed data regarding the one or more environmental factors can be usedto help determine whether motion detected by the motion sensor isactually indicative of a consumable being dispensed from the dispenser.

The actuator 30 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations.The actuator 30 can be configured to indicate to a user, e.g., to theperson 22, a care provider for the person 22, etc., that a predeterminedcondition has occurred. The predetermined condition can reflect thataction by the user is needed, such as the patient 22 consuming theconsumable (e.g., taking a pill, applying cream, taking a dose ofmedication, etc.), the dispenser being replaced due to a lot amount ofconsumables remaining therein, or the dispenser being replaced due to noconsumables remaining therein. The predetermined condition can occurwithout any user action, such as a scheduled dose of the consumable notbeing taken and data being transmitted from the accessory 12 to thewireless bridge 14. The processor 34 can be configured to actuate one ormore of the actuators 30 in response to the processor 34 detectingoccurrence of the predetermined condition, as discussed further below.Examples of the actuator 30 include a light (e.g., an LED, a fluorescentmaterial, etc.) configured to illuminate, a speaker configured to outputan audible sound, a vibration element configured to vibrate so as tocause palpable and/or audible vibration of the accessory 12 and/or thedispenser, a temperature-changing element configured to temporarily heatand/or cool so as to cause a palpable change in temperature of theaccessory 12 and/or the dispenser, and a display screen configured todisplay text and/or images as a message to the user. If the actuator 30includes a light, the accessory 12 can include the actuator 30 at alocation configured to make the light visible from all vantage points ofthe accessory 12. For example, the actuator 30 can include a pluralityof lights arranged around a full perimeter of the accessory 12, e.g.,arranged equidistantly around the perimeter.

The accessory 12 can include any number of actuators 30, e.g., zero,one, two, three, etc. If the accessory 12 includes a plurality ofactuators 30, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the actuators 30 canbe configured to provide a different type of notification than at leastone other of the actuators 30, e.g., a plurality of actuators 30including at least one light and at least one speaker, so as to allowthe accessory 12 to provide a plurality of different notifications whena consumable is due and/or to provide a different type of notificationupon different types of predetermined conditions, a light of a firstcolor and one vibration element for a consumable being due, a light of asecond color for a consumable in the dispenser running low and ablinking light of the second color for a consumable in the dispenserbeing depleted, a blinking light when a dose is missed and anotification such as an email, text message, or phone call (which can bea live phone call or an automated phone call and can include leaving avoicemail or other recorded message) being sent to a location remotefrom the dispenser indicating that the dose was missed, etc.

The accessory 12 can be configured to cause a notification to betransmitted to a location remote from the dispenser instead of or inaddition to a notification being provided via the actuator 30 at thedispenser. Providing a remote notification can facilitate supervision ofthe person 22 and/or management of the person's treatment plan. Forexample, if the person 22 is a child, it can be beneficial to notify theuser 24 associated with the person 22 upon occurrence of certain eventsto help make the user 24 aware of the person's status so the user 24 cantake any appropriate action in real time and/or at a later time.

For another example, if a dose of a consumable is due, the processor 34can be configured to cause a first notification to be provided to theperson 22 via the actuator 30 at the dispenser and to cause a secondnotification to be provided to the user 24, who may be at a locationremote from the person 22. The user 24 can then decide whether toindependently contact the person 22 as a secondary reminder to take theconsumable.

For yet another example, if the processor 34 determines that aconsumable was dispensed outside of the person's predetermined schedule,the processor 34 can be configured to cause a notification such as anemail, text message, or phone call to be provided to the user 24, who,given this atypical use of the consumable, may be the person's careprovider or be able to contact the person's medical care provider as theperson's parent or guardian. If multiple off-schedule doses aredetected, the person's care provider may choose to contact the person 22(or an adult contact for the person 22 if the person 22 is a child) todiscuss possible changes to the person's health and/or to the person'streatment plan.

For still another example, if the processor 34 determines that theconsumable is running low, the processor 34 can be configured to cause anotification such as an email, text message, or phone call to beprovided to the user 24, such as the person's doctor or pharmacist, whocan begin processing a new supply of consumables for the person 22before the patient's current consumables are depleted.

For another example, if a consumable is not dispensed within apredetermined period of time after a notification is provided indicatingthat a scheduled dose of the consumable is due, the processor 34 can beconfigured to cause a missed dosage notation to be saved in theaccessory's memory, and the wireless bridge 14 can be configured towirelessly transmit the stored missed dosage notation to an externaldevice such as the database 18. The missed dosage notation can beincluded as part of adherence data and/or incentives data provided on auser interface, discussed further below. An external device, e.g., theinterface 20, can be configured to determine that a dose was missedwithout the processor 34 providing any notice thereof, such as by theexternal device being configured to detect that notice of an expecteddose was not taken, e.g., notice of a consumable being dispensed at ascheduled date/time was not received at the external device from theaccessory 20.

In some instances, the person 22 may have multiple consumabledispensers, each of the dispensers having the same consumable containedtherein. For example, the person 22 may have multiple containers of thesame consumable each kept in a different location, e.g., home, work,car, etc., for easy accessibility when use of the consumable is needed.Each of the multiple consumable dispensers can have an accessory coupledthereto. Each of the accessories can be categorized in the system 10 asclones of one another so as to be linked together as being associatedwith the person 22 for a specific consumable, e.g., for a specificprescription medication. Thus, when a dose of the consumable is dueaccording to a predetermined dosage schedule, the dose will likely notbe dispensed from each of the dispensers containing the consumable.Instead, the dose will likely be dispensed from only one of thedispensers, or none of the dispensers if the dose is missed. If any oneof the dispensers having the “cloned” accessories coupled theretodispenses the scheduled dose, the dose can be considered to have beenconsumed on schedule. If none of the dispensers having the “cloned”accessories coupled thereto dispenses the scheduled dose, the dose canbe considered to have been missed. The system 10 can thus be less likelyto register false instances of missed dosages and/or less likely totransmit a notification to the person 22 and/or other person that a dosewas missed when the dose was actually dispensed.

In some embodiments, in order to stop a notification (e.g., stop a lightfrom blinking, stop a consumables dispenser from vibrating, etc.), apredetermined action must be taken in response to the predeterminedcondition that triggered the notification. In this way, certain useractions can be more likely to happen within a short amount of time. Forexample, if the predetermined condition includes a dose of a consumablebeing due, the notification can be configured to be provided (e.g., alight continually blinks on and off, an audio tone sounds on and off, alight continually glows, etc.) until dispensing of the consumable isdetected. In some embodiments, in the absence of the predeterminedaction being taken within a predetermined amount of time from thenotification being first provided, the notification can be configured tostop after the predetermined amount of time, which can help conservepower (e.g., not require an endlessly glowing light, etc.) and/or cancompensate for situations in which it may not be currently possible forthe person 22 to take the consumables dose.

The processor 34 can be configured to control one or more components ofthe accessory 12. The processor 34 can have a variety of sizes, shapes,and configurations, as discussed above. The processor 34 in theillustrated embodiment is shown as a microcontroller, but the processor34 can include any of a variety of elements, as mentioned above. Theprocessor 34 can, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art,include a timer configured to count time and/or a memory configured tostore data. Alternatively, the timer and/or the memory can be includedas part of the accessory 12 but be external components to the processor34.

The processor 34 can be configured to cause gathered data to be storedin the memory and to cause stored data to be transmitted to an externaldevice, e.g., wirelessly transmitted via the wireless bridge 14 acrossthe network 16 to the interface 20 and/or the memory 18. The memory 18in the illustrated embodiment includes a database, but as discussedabove, the memory 18 can include any one or more memory technologies.The interface 20 in the illustrated embodiment includes a client stationin the form of a distributed computer system (e.g., a phone, a computer,etc.), but the interface 20 can include any form of client station.

The processor 34 can be configured to transmit stored data to theinterface 20 and/or the memory 18 on a predetermined transmissionschedule, e.g., a schedule stored in the memory and time-tracked usingthe timer, in response to occurrence of a predetermined condition,and/or in response to a data request signal to the processor 34 from anexternal device. The processor 34 can be configured to deletetransmitted data from the memory in response to the data having beentransmitted, which can help free space for new data, the processor 34can be configured to delete transmitted data on a regular deletionschedule (e.g., at the top of each hour, at the end of a day, at the endof a week, twice daily, etc.), or the processor 34 can be configured todelete transmitted data as needed for storage space. The processor 34can be configured to maintain all data until the data is transmitted toan external device, which can help prevent data loss. The processor 34can be configured to mark data stored in the memory as having beentransmitted to an external device, which can facilitate clearing of theaccessory's memory and/or help ensure that data is not unnecessarilyrepeatedly transmitted to an external device.

Various types of data can be received and stored by the processor 34.For example, data sensed by the sensor 28 can be received and stored.For another example, data regarding occurrences of predeterminedconditions can be stored. Examples of predetermined conditions include aconsumable being dispensed (e.g., as triggered by activation of theactivation mechanism 26 and/or as confirmed by data from the sensor 28),low power source 36 power, power source 36 depletion, a consumable notbeing dispensed in accordance with a predetermined schedule, and devicecomponent failure. The processor 34 can therefore be configured toreceive, store, and transmit a relatively complete picture of thepatient's consumable usage and of a functional status of the dispenserand a functional status of the accessory 12. Data transmitted by theprocessor 34 can be analyzed by and/or viewed on the interface 20, asdiscussed further below.

The processor 34 can be configured to maintain a running tally of atotal amount of consumables dispensed from the dispenser. In this way,the processor 34 can be configured to determine when the dispenser isrunning low on the consumable and/or when all the consumables have beendispensed from the dispenser. For example, some types of dispensers,such as respiratory inhalers, can be configured to dispense apredetermined amount of medication each time the medication is dispensedtherefrom. The processor 34 can be configured to maintain the runningtally of a total amount of consumables dispensed from the dispenser byadding a predetermined value to the previously logged total amount eachtime a consumable is determined to have been dispensed from thedispenser. For another example, the accessory 12 can be configured todetect an amount of a consumable dispensed, e.g., by using the sensor28, and to subtract the measured amount from a previously stored totalamount of consumables in the dispenser to arrive at a current totalamount of consumables in the dispenser.

The processor 34 can be configured to provide a warning to a user whenthe processor determines that the dispenser is running low onconsumables and/or when all consumables have been dispensed from thedispenser. Providing warnings about low/no consumables remaining canhelp the user effectively manage reordering and replacement ofconsumables. The processor 34 can be configured to provide the warningby actuating the actuator 30.

The processor 34 can be configured to actuate the actuator 30 bytransmitting a signal thereto. In response to the triggering signal fromthe processor 34, the actuator 30 can be configured to provide anaudible and/or palpable signal to a user, e.g., to the patient 22,indicating one or more predetermined conditions. One example of thepredetermined condition is the low consumables warning mentioned above,and another example of the predetermined condition is the consumablesdepleted warning also mentioned above.

Another example of the predetermined condition is a notification when adosage of the consumable is due. In other words, the accessory 12 can beconfigured to provide notice to a user, e.g., to the patient 22, that aconsumable needs to be taken in order to adhere to a predeterminedschedule. The accessory 12 providing the notification can allow thedispenser itself to play a role in a person's regimen, which can helpreduce the need for the person 22, the person's family, the person'sdoctor, etc. to maintain and monitor an external notification system,such as watch alarms, alarms on a mobile device, phone calls to thepatient, text messages to the patient's mobile phone, etc.

The processor 34 can be configured to determine that a dosage of aconsumable is due in a variety of ways. A predetermined schedule for theperson 22 can be accessible to the processor 34, e.g., stored in amemory included in the accessory 12 or stored in an external memoryaccessible via the network 16, such as the memory 18. The predeterminedschedule can, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, bespecific to the person 22 as determined by the person 22 and/or theperson's doctor or other care provider, or the predetermined schedulecan be dictated by a manufacturer of the consumable. The accessory 12can be configured to register itself, e.g., with the memory 18, whenpurchased and/or when attached to a dispenser so as allow thepredetermined schedule to be transmitted to the accessory 12, e.g., fromthe memory 18. This registration can facilitate identification of“clone” accessories. The accessory 12 can be configured to detectattachment and detachment thereof from a dispenser, as discussed furtherbelow, which can facilitate registration of the accessory 12 whenattached to the dispenser. The processor 34 can be configured todetermine when a consumable is due according to the predeterminedschedule based on time counted by the timer. The accessory 12 can thusbe configured as a self-contained monitoring unit able to notify theuser that a consumable is due to be taken regardless of the accessory'slocation relative to the interface 20 and/or other external device.Alternatively, or in addition, an external device such as the interface20 can be configured to determine when a dosage of the consumable is duefor the person 22 in a similar way and transmit a signal to theaccessory 12 via the network 16. The signal can cause the actuator 30 tobe actuated. Allowing the external device to trigger the actuator 30 canprovide backup functionality to the processor 34 and/or can help moveprocessing resources off-board from the accessory 12, which can helpreduce cost and/or help reduce a size of the accessory 12.

Another example of a predetermined condition is data being transmittedfrom the accessory 12 via the network interface 32. Providing notice tothe user that data is being transmitted can help explain why theaccessory 12 may be buzzing or otherwise making a noise not typicallyassociated with the dispenser. Similarly, another predeterminedcondition is data being transmitted to the accessory 12 via the networkinterface 32, such as an update to the patient's predetermined schedulestored onboard the accessory 12.

As mentioned above, a predetermined condition can include the powersource 36 running low, thereby indicating that the accessory 12 is duefor removal from the dispenser and replacement with another accessory.Similarly, another predetermined condition is the power source 36 beingdepleted of available power.

As mentioned above, a predetermined condition can include failure of anycomponent of the accessory 12, such as a failure of the sensor 28 or theactuator 30, thereby indicating that the accessory 12 should be removedfrom the dispenser and replaced with another accessory. The processor 34can be configured to detect failure of a component of the accessory 12,such as by being programmed to regularly query component(s), as will beappreciated by a person skilled in the art, and, based on a responsereceived from the queried component, including whether a response wasreceived or not, determine whether the component is properlyfunctioning.

The network interface 32 can be configured to facilitate electroniccommunication of the accessory 12 with one or more external devices suchas the wireless bridge 14. The network interface 32 can have a varietyof sizes, shapes, and configurations, as discussed above. Although thenetwork interface 32 is illustrated as a radio and as being inelectronic communication with the wireless bridge 14 in the illustratedembodiment, the network interface 32 can be a component other than aradio and can be configured to be in electronic communication with awireless bridge and/or any number of other components to facilitatecommunication over the network 16. The network interface 32 can beconfigured to communicate using long-range, low frequency/low power/lowbandwidth radio communication using a proprietary, an open source, or amesh protocol.

The power source 36, e.g., one or more batteries, one or more solarpanels, one or more piezo elements, one or more inductively chargedpower elements, etc., can have a variety of sizes, shapes, andconfigurations. The power source 36 can be configured to provide powerto one or more of the accessory's components, e.g., to the sensor 28,the processor 34, the wireless bridge 14, the actuator 30, etc. In someembodiments, an accessory can lack a power source and instead be poweredby an external power source, such as a power source wired to theaccessory via wired connection or a power source configured totelemetrically provide power when moved into proximity of the accessory.In some embodiments, an accessory can include an on-board power source,as in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, configured to provide powerto only a portion of the accessory's on-board components, and theaccessory can be configured to have another portion of the accessory'son-board components be powered by an external power source. Providingpower with an external power source can help reduce a size of theaccessory and/or free space for other components.

In some embodiments, the power source 36 can be configured to movebetween a first state in which the power source 36 provides a firstamount of power to components of the accessory 12 and a second state inwhich the power source 36 provides a second, greater amount of power tothe components of the accessory 12. The power source 36 can thus beconfigured to conserve power by being in the first state when thegreater amount of power provided in the second state is not necessaryfor proper functioning of the accessory 12. Embodiments of power sourcesbeing configured to move between first and second states are describedin more detail in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/US 13/047,507.

In some embodiments, the accessory 12 can include energy-harvestingtechnology (solar, piezo, etc.) configured to increase a life of thepower source 36, e.g., to increase a battery life of a battery when thepower source 36 includes a battery.

The accessory 12 can include a housing 42 configured to house theactivation member 26, the sensor 28, the actuator 30, the networkinterface 32, the processor 34, the power source 36, and the wirelessbridge 14. The accessory 12 as a singular unit including the housing 42and all components housed therein can be configured to be removably andreplaceably attached to the dispenser, thereby allowing simpleattachment of a single piece to the dispenser to attach the accessory 12thereto. The accessory 12 can thus lack any required user assembly andcan be easily attached to a dispenser by adults and by at least olderchildren.

The housing 42 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurationsand can be formed from one or more materials. In an exemplaryembodiment, the housing 42 can be formed from one or more polymers(e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS), etc.) and can be non-toxic. The housing 42 can be rigid or, as inthe illustrated embodiment, have some degree of flexibility, which canfacilitate depression of the activation member 26, as discussed furtherbelow. The housing 42 can be transparent or translucent so as to allow alight to visibly shine therethrough, as also discussed further below.The housing 42 can be waterproof so as to help protect the variouscomponents housed therein from moisture damage. The housing 42 can bepermanently closed or sealed (e.g., closed or sealed under conditions ofordinary end-user use) so as to help prevent tampering with and/orinadvertent damage to the various components housed therein. The housing42, and hence the accessory 12, can be configured to be disposable,e.g., thrown out or recycled. An accessory can, in some embodiments, benon-removably attached to a dispenser, in which case the accessory canbe configured to be disposed of with the dispenser.

The housing 42 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as housing all ofthe activation member 26, the sensor 28, the actuator 30, the networkinterface 32, the processor 34, the power source 36, and the wirelessbridge 14, but one or more of these components can be disposed in atleast one other housing configured to attach to the dispenser similar tothat discussed herein regarding the housing 42. For example, thewireless bridge 14 can be housed in a second housing (not shown) of theaccessory 12, which can help facilitate hardware and/or software repairand/or upgrades related to electronic communication that otherwise donot substantially affect operation of the accessory 12. The secondhousing can be made, configured, and used similar to that discussedherein regarding the housing 42.

The accessory 12 can be configured to be attached to the dispenser in avariety of ways. The accessory 12 can include an attachment mechanismconfigured to engage the dispenser and removably and replaceably attachthe accessory 12 thereto. Examples of the attachment mechanism include amagnet configured to magnetically attach the accessory 12 to a magnetincluded in or a metallic material of the dispenser, Velcro®, a cavityformed in the accessory configured to fit around a portion of thedispenser in a press fit, a strap or band configured to be tied tosecure the accessory 12 to the dispenser, a strap or band configured toelastically secure the accessory 12 to the dispenser similar to a rubberband, a clip configured to clip the accessory 12 to the dispenser, and aguide track configured to slidably receive a portion of the dispensertherein. The attachment mechanism as a magnet can be particularlyeffective for use with pressurized dispensers, such as respiratoryinhalers, which are typically metallic containers. The attachmentmechanism being attachable to the dispenser by press fit can helpprevent mis-attachment of the accessory 12 to the dispenser because thecavity can be configured to be attachable to the dispenser in onelocation via the press fit, e.g., the cavity being configured to onlyaccommodate one unique portion of the dispenser. The accessory 12 canthus be keyed to the dispenser so as to be attachable thereto in apredetermined orientation relative thereto, as further described inpreviously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/US 13/047,507. The accessory 12can be included as part of a kit including a plurality of differentlysized and/or differently shaped members (e.g., flexible rings, rigidrings, etc.) configured to be selectively attached to the accessory 12to facilitate press fit of the accessory 12 to a particular dispenser.For example, one of the members having a size and shape corresponding toa circular size of an end of a respiratory inhaler can be inserted intoa cavity of an accessory in the form of a cap so as to be seated in agroove formed therein. The member can be configured to form a press fitwith the inhaler when the cap is attached thereto. The attachmentmechanism being an adjustable member, such as a strap or band, canfacilitate attachment of the accessory 12 to differently sized and/orirregularly shaped dispensers. In some embodiments, the adjustablemember can be configured to dynamically adjust to a size and shape ofthe dispenser to which the adjustable member is attached, such as bybeing an elastic member. In some embodiments, the adjustable member canbe configured to be manually adjustable to be securely attached to adispenser, such as by being adjustable similar to a belt with a hook andrelease mechanism or a slidably adjustable member.

The attachment mechanism can allow the accessory 12 to be replaceablyand removably attached to the dispenser without requiring anymodification of the dispenser by the end-user or by a designer ormanufacturer of the dispenser to accommodate the accessory 12. In thisway, the accessory 12 can be used with nearly any consumables dispenserregardless of whether or not the dispenser was made for use with theaccessory 12. Examples of attachment mechanisms that can allow for suchattachment include a magnet, a cavity, and a strap or band. Otherattachment mechanisms, such as a magnet or Velcro®, may require amodification of the dispenser to allow attachment of the accessory 12thereto, such as by attaching a magnet or Velcro® to the dispenser usinga self-stick adhesive.

A consumables dispenser to which the accessory 12 is removably andreplaceably attached can be configured to dispense a consumable whetheror not the accessory 12 is attached thereto. The consumables dispensercan thus be available to the person 22 for use even if an unexpectederror occurs with the accessory 12, e.g., the accessory 12 isaccidentally broken, the person 22 accidentally forgets to attach theaccessory 12 to a new dispenser, etc., and the person 22 will not haveto miss any required doses of the consumable due to the accessory error.The accessory 12 being configured to be replaceably and removablyattached to a consumables dispenser can facilitate this maintainedfunctionality of the dispenser. FIGS. 4, 7, and 14-26, which arediscussed further below, illustrate embodiments of accessoriesconfigured to be coupled to consumables dispensers that can properlydispense consumables whether or not the accessory is attached thereto.

In some embodiments, the accessory 12 can include a grip mechanismconfigured to facilitate attachment of the attachment mechanism to theconsumables dispenser. The grip mechanism can be configured to deformwhen the attachment mechanism is attached to the dispenser, which canhelp form a secure interference fit between the accessory 12 and thedispenser, can compensate for differently sized dispensers, and/or cancompensate for an uneven dispenser surface to which the accessory 12 iscoupled. For example, the grip mechanism can include protrusionsextending radially inward from a cavity formed in the accessory 12 andbeing configured to deform when the dispenser is seated in the cavity.For another example, the grip mechanism can include a textured surfaceon an interior surface of a strap or band configured to engage anexterior surface of the dispenser.

A consumables dispenser to which an accessory can be coupled can includea physical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism, as will beappreciated by a person skilled in the art. In some embodiments, thephysical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism can be linked toor integrated with the accessory. For example, the physical dose countercan be located at a bottom of the dispenser, and an accessory can belinked to or integrated with the physical dose counter or other dosecounting mechanism so as to also be located at the bottom of thedispenser. If the linked or integrated accessory is configured to beremovably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser, the physical dosecounter or other dose counting mechanism can be removed and replacedwith the accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory can be a separateelement from the physical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism.In such a case, the accessory and the physical dose counter or otherdose counting mechanism can be located at a same location relative tothe dispenser, e.g., both at a top thereof, or can be located indifferent locations relative to the dispenser, e.g., one on a top of thedispenser and one of a side of the dispenser.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate one embodiment of an accessory 302. The accessory302 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 removably and replaceably attached to adispenser 304 and is shown in FIG. 6 as a standalone element unattachedto any dispenser. The dispenser 304 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is a respiratoryinhaler that includes a housing 312 and a medication canister 314removably and replaceably seated in the dispenser housing 312 andcontaining a medication for treating a respiratory condition such asasthma, but as mentioned above, an accessory can be configured to attachto a variety of different types of dispensers containing different typesof consumables.

A housing 300 of the accessory 302 can be a cap, as in the illustratedembodiment of FIGS. 4-6. The cap can be configured to removably andreplaceably attach to a portion of the dispenser 304, such as to an endof the canister 314 containing the consumable and being configured to bepressed by a user to dispense the consumable from the dispenser. Theaccessory 302 can thus be configured to be depressed to cause consumableto be dispensed from an output 306 of the dispenser 304 similar to howthe consumable would be dispensed from the dispenser 304 without theaccessory 302 attached thereto. The accessory 302 can thus be relativelyseamlessly integrated into a person's familiar use of the dispenser 304.The accessory 302 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown),which can be engaged in response to the pressing of the accessory 302 tofacilitate a determination as to whether a consumable was dispensed fromthe dispenser 304, as described in more detail in previously mentionedIntl. App. No. PCT/US 13/047,507. In general, the PCB can be coupled tothe accessory's processor on-board the accessory, or the PCB can beconfigured to cooperate with at least one off-board component, e.g., aCPU control store (CCS) module located outside the cap.

In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism of the accessory302 includes a cavity 308 formed in the housing 300. The cavity 308 canbe configured to receive a portion of the dispenser 304 therein, e.g.,an end portion of the dispenser 304. As in the illustrated embodiment,the cavity 308 can be configured to only be attachable to that oneportion of the dispenser 304, which can help ensure that the accessory302 is properly attached to and used with the dispenser 304 becausethere is only one option to the user in choosing where to attach theaccessory 302 to the dispenser 304.

The housing 300 can include a symbol 310 thereon, e.g., printed thereon,formed therein as a depression (as in the illustrated embodiment),formed thereon as a protrusion, embedded therein, etc. The symbol 310can include any one or more of numbers, alphabet characters, andgeometric shapes, logos, and other symbols. Although only one symbol 310is shown in the illustrated embodiment, a housing can include any numberof symbols thereon. The symbol 310 can identify a manufacturer of theaccessory 12, can identify a specific consumable or type of consumablesfor use with the accessory 12, and/or can be decorative (e.g., aperson's name, a person's first initial, a cartoon character, etc.). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the symbol 310 includes a plus sign. Symbolsfor accessories are further described in previously mentioned Intl. App.No. PCT/US 13/047,507.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate another embodiment of an accessory 400 in the formof a cap configured to be removably and replaceably attached to adispenser. The accessory 400 is shown in FIGS. 7-9 as a standaloneelement unattached to any dispenser and is shown in FIG. 10 removablyand replaceably attached to a canister 402 of a consumables dispenser.The canister 402 in this illustrated embodiment contains an inhalableconsumable, e.g., respiratory medication, disposed therein, and isconfigured to be seated in a housing (not shown) and moved relativethereto to dispense the consumable through a mouthpiece (not shown) ofthe dispenser housing, as discussed herein. However, as mentioned above,the accessory 400 can be configured to attach to a variety of differenttypes of dispensers containing different types of consumables.

As in this illustrated embodiment, the accessory 400 can include adistal portion 404, also referred to herein as a “distal base,” and aproximal portion 406, also referred to herein as a “proximal cap.” Theproximal cap 406 can be configured to move relative to the distal base404, thereby causing the consumable to be dispensed from the dispenserand causing the accessory 400 to detect usage of the dispenser, e.g., todetect that the consumable was dispensed. The proximal cap 406 and thedistal portion 404 can each have a variety of sizes, shapes, andconfigurations.

As in this illustrated embodiment, the proximal cap 406 can include alid 408 and a bias element 410. The lid 408 can have a variety of sizes,shapes, and configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the lid 408includes a domed member. The lid 408 can include a mating element 412configured to engage a corresponding mating feature 414 of the distalbase 404 so as to non-removably mate the proximal cap 406 to the distalbase 404. Such permanent fixation of the proximal and distal portions406, 404 can help protect any electronic components disposed within theaccessory 400. In some embodiments, the proximal cap 404 can beremovably and replaceably mated to the distal base 404, which can allowreplacement of one or more the accessory's electronic components, e.g.,replacement of a depleted battery, replacement of a burned out light,etc.

As in this illustrated embodiment, the mating element 412 can include abayonet foot extending distally from the proximal cap 406, and themating feature 414 can include a ledge extending from the distal base404, e.g., from a spin ring 416 of the distal base 404. The spin ring416 is also illustrated in FIG. 11. The ledge in this illustratedembodiment includes four ledges extending radially inward from aninterior surface of the distal base 404, one ledge for each bayonetfoot. In other embodiments, there can be another number of ledges andanother number of bayonet feet. For example, there can be one ledgeconfigured to engage each bayonet foot, e.g., one ledge extendingcircumferentially around the spin ring 416. For another example, therecan be an equal number of bayonet feet and ledges such that each one ofthe bayonet feet engages one of the ledges. The bayonet foot can beconfigured to be movable toward and away from the ledge in response tothe proximal cap 406 being depressed, e.g., by a user manually pressingdown on the lid 408, and released, e.g., by the user releasing manualpressure from the lid 408. In other embodiments, the distal base'smating feature can include a bayonet foot, and the proximal cap's matingelement can include a ledge.

The lid 408 can include a button 418 facing the distal base 404. Ingeneral, the button 418 can be configured to be depressed when aconsumable is dispensed from a dispenser to which the accessory 400 isattached, e.g., from the canister 402 of FIG. 10, as discussed furtherbelow. The button 418 can thus be configured to detect usage of thedispenser.

The lid 408 can be configured to be movable relative to the distal base404 between a first position and a second position. In the firstposition, the lid 408 can be at a first distance from the distal base404, the at least one mating element 412 can be engaged with the atleast one mating feature 414 (e.g., the bayonet feet can be in contactwith the ledges, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10), the bias element 410 canbe in an expanded configuration, and the button 418 can be out ofcontact from the distal base 404. In the second position, the lid 408can be at a second distance from the distal base 404 that is less thanthe first distance, the at least one mating element 412 can bedisengaged from the at least one mating feature 414 (e.g., the bayonetfeet can be out of contact with the ledges), the bias element 410 can bein a compressed configuration, and the button 418 can be pressed againstthe distal base 404 (e.g., against a processor assembly 420 of thedistal base 404, discussed further below). The first distance can definea void space between the button 418 and the distal base 404 (e.g.,against the processor assembly) when the button 418 is in anon-depressed position, as in FIGS. 8 and 10. The void space can providesome “give” space for movement of the button 418, which can help preventthe consumable from being accidentally dispensed.

The bias element 410 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, andconfigurations. In general, the bias element 410 can be configured tobias the lid 408 to the first position, e.g., bias the button 418 awayfrom the processor assembly 420. Examples of the bias element 410include a coil spring, a volute spring, an elastic member similar to arubber band, a leaf spring, and a wave spring. In this illustratedembodiment, the bias element 410 includes a wave spring. A bias strengthor spring rate of the bias element 410 can vary based on one or morefactors, such as a height of the bayonet feet 412, a height of thebutton 418, etc. For example, the bias strength or spring rate of thebias element 419 can be about 26.0 lb/in. A size of the bias element 410can vary based on one or more factors, e.g., a diameter of the button418, a diameter of the lid 408, etc. For example, the bias element 410can have an outer diameter of about 0.526 in., a radial wall thicknessof about 0.058 in., and a free length of about 0.325 in. A personskilled in the art will appreciate that a bias element may not have aprecise measurement but nevertheless be considered to be “about” thatmeasurement due to one or more factors, such as manufacturingtolerances.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bias element 410 can surround the button418, e.g., extend circumferentially therearound, as in this illustratedembodiment. By extending circumferentially around the button 418configured to be pressed in response to manual actuation of theaccessory 400 by a user, e.g., by the user pressing down thereon, thebias element 410 can be configured to help evenly transmit the forceapplied by the user to the button 418, thereby helping to ensure thatthe button 418 is pressed against the distal base 404 regardless ofwhere on the lid 408 the user presses to dispense a consumable. Forexample, if a user presses down on the lid 408 at a substantial centerthereof (e.g., where a symbol is on the lid 408) so as to be pushingsubstantially directly on top of the button 418, the applied user forcecan facilitate pressing of the button 418. However, a user may notalways press the lid 408 at a substantial center thereof and/or may notalways press on the lid 408 in a direction that the button 418 extendssuch that the button 418 is not pressed directly downward. The biaselement 410 completely surrounding the button 418, as in thisillustrated embodiment, can help ensure that off-center user pressure onthe lid 408 presses the button 408 down against the distal base 404. Thebias element's center can be substantially at the button's center, as inthis illustrated embodiment, which can help ensure that off-center userpressure on the lid 408 presses the button 408 down against the distalbase 404, even if the pressure is far off the lid's center.

As in this illustrated embodiment, the distal base 404 can include thespin ring 416, the processor assembly 420 (also shown in FIG. 12), agrip ring 422, a main body 424 (also shown in FIG. 13), a power source426, a power source protective member 428, and a power source housing430. The spin ring 416, the processor assembly 420, the grip ring 422,the main body 424, the power source 426, the power source protectivemember 428, and the power source housing 430 can each have a variety ofsizes, shapes, and configurations.

The spin ring 416 can include an outer member 432 and an inner member434 configured to be seated in the outer member 432, e.g., seated in acentral portion thereof. The outer and inner members 432, 434 can beovermolded. The spin ring 416, e.g., the outer member 432, can beconfigured to seat the bias element 410 so as to sandwich the biaselement 410 between the spin ring 416 and the lid 408. The spin ring 416can have a central opening 436 extending therethrough in which thebutton 418 can be configured to move in a downward direction toward theprocessor assembly 420 underlying the spin ring 416 and to move in anupward direction away from the processor assembly 420. Each of the outerand inner members 432, 434 can have central apertures 432 a, 434 a thatdefine the central opening 436.

The processor assembly 420 can include a side sensor 438, a positivepower source contact 440, a processor 441, a PCB 442, at least one light443 (e.g., at least one LED, etc.), a negative power source contact 444,an antenna 445 configured to facilitate wireless communication, and aforce sensitive resistor 446. The processor 441 can include a memory(not shown). The positive and negative power source contacts 440, 444can be configured to contact corresponding positive and negativecontacts of the power source 426 to facilitate power supply from thepower source 426 o the PCB 442.

The PCB 442 can, as mentioned above, be coupled to the accessory'sprocessor, or the PCB 442 can be configured to cooperate with at leastone off-board component, e.g., a CPU control store (CCS) module locatedoutside the accessory 400. As discussed above, the PCB 442 can beconfigured to, in response to actuation of the button 418 on the forcesensitive resistor 446 (e.g., by moving the proximal portion 406 towardto the distal portion 404), record the date and time of the usage of thedispenser to which the accessory 400 is coupled in a storage unit, suchas an on-board memory included in the PCB 442. The stored data can betransmitted to an external source, e.g., computer system, as alsodiscussed above.

The force sensitive resistor 446 can be configured to facilitatedetection of the movement of the proximal cap 406 relative to the distalbase 404 so as to facilitate detection of a consumable being dispensedfrom a dispenser to which the accessory 400 is attached. In general, theforce sensitive resistor 446 can be configured as a pressure sensor thatsenses a weight or pressure being exerted thereon. The force sensitiveresistor 446 can be configured to change resistance when pressure isapplied thereto, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.The button 418 can be configured to move within the central opening 436of the spin ring 416 and can be configured to contact the forcesensitive resistor 446 underlying the spin ring 416 when moved in adownward direction toward the PCB 442 and hence toward the forcesensitive resistor 446. The force sensitive resistor 446 can beconfigured to change resistance in response to pressure applied theretofrom the button 418. In this way, when the lid 408 is pressed downwardso as to move the button 418 in a downward direction, the button 418 canapply pressure to the force sensitive resistor 446, thereby changing theforce sensitive resistor's resistance to indicate actuation of the cap400 and dispensing of a consumable. Similarly, when the lid 408 isreleased so as to move upwardly, the button 408 can move upwardly so asto decrease pressure on the force sensitive resistor 446, thereby againchanging the resistance of the force sensitive resistor 446.

The processor can be configured to compare the force sensitiveresistor's resistance value with a predetermined threshold resistancevalue, e.g., a value stored in the memory, so as to determine whetherthe consumable has been dispensed. The resistance value can be anumerical value of the actual resistance or can be a valuerepresentative of the actual resistance. By being able to comparespecific values instead of merely detecting a sensor's “on” or “off”position, e.g., “on” as having pressure applied thereto and “off” ashaving no pressure applied thereto, to determine dispensing of theconsumable, the processor can help eliminate false positives. If theforce sensitive resistor's resistance value equals or exceeds thethreshold resistance, then the processor can be configured to determinethat the consumable was dispensed because a certain threshold amount ofpressure has been applied to the accessory 400 attached to the dispensercontaining the consumable. For example, if the threshold resistancevalue corresponds to a pressure of 20 N, but the force sensitiveresistor's resistance value corresponds to a pressure of 15 N (e.g.,increases from 0 N without any contact with the button 418 to 15 N uponcontact with the button 418), then the processor can determine thatdispensing of the consumable did not occur. In other words, the lid 408can be presumed to have not been pushed with enough force to cause theconsumable to exit the canister 402. For another example, if thethreshold resistance value corresponds to a pressure of 25 N and theforce sensitive resistor's resistance value corresponds to a pressure of26 N (e.g., increases from 0 N without any contact with the button 418to 26 N upon contact with the button 418), then the processor candetermine that actuation did occur. In other words, the lid 408 can bepresumed to have been pushed with enough force to cause the consumableto exit the canister 402.

The predetermined threshold resistance value can depend on the dispenserto which the accessory is attached, e.g., different canisters canrequire different amounts of force to dispense a consumable therefrom.The memory can be configured to store threshold resistance values forvarious canisters, and the processor can be configured to compare theforce sensitive resistor's resistance value with the one of thethreshold resistance values corresponding to the canister to which theaccessory 400 is coupled. In some embodiments, the threshold resistancevalue for the canister to which the accessory 400 is attached can betransmitted to the PCB 442 using the wireless bridge, and thetransmitted threshold resistance value can be stored in the memory forlater comparison with resistance values of the force sensitive resistor446. The correct threshold resistance value for the processor to comparewith the force sensitive resistor's resistance value can be determined,whether the threshold resistance value is pre-stored in the memory or istransmitted to the accessory 400, by having identification informationtransmitted thereto. Transmission of identification information, as wellas other types of data, to an accessory is described in further detailin previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/US13/047,507.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user can enter consumable scheduleinformation (e.g., prescription information for the consumable withwhich the accessory 400 will be used, meal times when a vitamin withwhich the accessory 400 will be used should be consumed, etc.) andconsumable identification information (e.g., identification of thespecific consumable with which the accessory 400 will be used, thespecific supplement with which the accessory 400 will be used, etc.) viaa user interface via a client terminal, as discussed herein. The userinterface can be configured to provide a list of consumables from whichthe user can select to identify the specific consumable, and/or the userinterface can allow the user to enter any consumable. The clientterminal can be configured to have access to a database of consumablesand their associated threshold resistance values, with the databasebeing stored locally at the client terminal or remotely accessible tothe client terminal. The client terminal can be configured to determinefrom the database which threshold resistance value corresponds to theconsumable identified by the user. The client terminal can be configuredto communicate with the accessory 400, e.g., via wireless communicationbetween the accessory 400 and, to provide the consumable scheduleinformation, the consumable identification information, and thethreshold resistance value to the accessory 400, which can store thereceived data in the memory. The accessory 400 can thus be configured tocompare the force sensitive resistor's resistance value with thethreshold resistance value appropriate for the specific dispenser towhich the accessory 400 is coupled.

The side sensor 438 can be configured to facilitate detection of theaccessory's attachment to and removal from a consumables dispenser.Detecting whether the accessory 400 is attached to a dispenser canfacilitate proper attachment of the accessory 400 to the dispenserand/or facilitate proper use of the accessory 400. As in thisillustrated embodiment, the accessory 400 can itself be configured todetermine accessory removal/attachment, e.g., using the side sensor 438and the PCB 420. In other embodiments, a processor that is off-board theaccessory 400 can be configured to detect removal and attachment of theaccessory 400 with respect to a consumables dispenser.

The side sensor 438 can be located adjacent a perimeter of the accessory400 so as to be located at a radial outward location. The side sensor438 can be configured to sense pressure. When a dispenser, e.g., amedicament canister such as the canister 402, is seated in a cavity 448of the accessory 400, e.g., of the main body 424, the dispenser canexert outward pressure on the accessory 400 so as to apply pressure tothe side sensor 438. The side sensor 438 can be configured to sense thispressure directed radially outward, thereby allowing the processor todetermine that a dispenser has been attached to the accessory 400 sincethe side sensor 438 sensed an increase in pressure. Similarly, when adispenser is removed from the cavity 448, the pressure exerted on theside sensor 438 can decrease. The processor can accordingly determinethat the accessory 400 is no longer coupled to the dispenser since theside sensor 438 sensed a decrease in pressure.

The side sensor 438 can facilitate the accessory 400 moving from a firstmode, in which the accessory 400 is inactive as not being attached to adispenser, to a second mode, in which the accessory 400 is active asbeing attached to a dispenser. In the first mode, the accessory 400 canbe configured to use no or little power from the power source 426,thereby conserving resources. In some embodiments, the accessory 400 canhave a third mode in which the accessory 400 is inactive as not beingattached to a dispenser and as never having been attached to adispenser. The third mode can thus reflect that the accessory 400 is ata manufacturing plant and/or is in factory packaging so as to be “new.”The accessory 400 in the third mode can be configured to use no powerand to not communicate with an external device wirelessly or via wire.The third mode can thus be the accessory's initial mode. Once theaccessory 400 has been attached to a dispenser at least once, theaccessory 400 can be configured to move between the first and secondmodes. In the first mode in which the accessory 400 is inactive, ascompared to the third mode in which the accessory 400 is also inactive,the accessory 400 can be configured to use a low amount of power so asto allow an external device to communicate with the accessory 400, e.g.,to receive data stored in the accessory's memory regarding theaccessory's previous attachment to a dispenser such as a date and timethe accessory 400 was last removed from a dispenser, etc. By allowingthe external device to communicate with the accessory 400 when theaccessory 400 is not currently attached to a dispenser but was soattached in the past, the external device can be more likely to have themost up to date information and/or can use date and time informationregarding the accessory's removal from the dispenser to prompt the userto indicate via the user interface why the accessory 400 was removedfrom the dispenser (e.g., accidental removal, change in prescription,change of accessory owner, broken accessory, broken dispenser, etc.).

The accessory 400 can be configured to provide a notification to a userof the accessory 400 regarding the accessory's attachment and/or theaccessory's non-attachment to the dispenser. The PCB 420 can beconfigured to trigger the notification in response to the detection ofthe attachment and/or detection of the removal. The notification can beprovided in any one or more ways, such as a light (e.g., a light thatilluminates when the accessory 400 is not attached to a dispenser and isotherwise unilluminated, a light that blinks when the accessory 400 isnot attached to a dispenser and is otherwise unilluminated, a light thatilluminates in one color when the accessory 400 is not attached to adispenser and a second light that illuminates in a different color whenthe accessory 400 is not attached to a dispenser, etc.); a vibrationelement (e.g., a vibration element that vibrates for a predeterminedlength of time upon the accessory 400 being attached to a dispenser andis otherwise non-vibrating, a vibration element that vibrates for apredetermined length of time in response to the accessory 400 beingunattached to a dispenser and is otherwise non-vibrating, a vibrationelement that in response to the accessory 400 being unattached to adispenser alternatively vibrates for a predetermined length of time anddoes not vibrate for a predetermined length of time, etc.); and an emailmessage, a text message, an icon alert (e.g., a pop-up text and/or imageon a smartphone or computer, etc.) or a phone call (which can be a livephone call or an automated phone call and can include leaving avoicemail or other recorded message) being sent to a location remotefrom the dispenser, etc.

The notification can prompt the user for an action, such as confirming(e.g., via a user interface) whether the accessory 400 was replaced onthe same dispenser that it was previously coupled to or was coupled to adifferent dispenser. Being placed onto the same or different dispensercan be important, for example, for dose scheduling purposes since adifferent dispenser may be associated with a different schedule, e.g.,as being associated with a different prescription, as being a strongeror weaker concentration of medicine, etc. Another example of the actionincludes confirming to the user that the accessory 400 was properlyattached to the dispenser and is therefore ready to use. Another exampleof the action includes informing a user when the dispenser does not havethe accessory 400 attached thereto, thereby indicating to the user thatthe dispenser should have the accessory 400 and/or other accessoryattached thereto before dispensing any consumable therefrom. Allconsumable usage can therefore be more likely to be detected andanalyzed.

In other embodiments, in alternative to or in addition to a side sensorsuch as the side sensor 438, an accessory can be configured to identifyremoval/reattachment to/from a dispenser by opening an electricalcircuit when the accessory is removed and by closing the electricalcircuit when the accessory is replaced. The accessory can thus beconfigured to indicate whether it is attached to a dispenser or notattached to a dispenser. The accessory can be configured to make thisdetermination itself, e.g., using an on-board processor configured toidentify removal/reattachment of the accessory such as by detectingwhether the electrical circuit is open or closed. Alternatively oradditionally, a processor that is off-board from the accessory can beconfigured to identify such removal/reattachment.

In some embodiments, in alternative to or in addition to a side sensorsuch as the side sensor 438, an accessory can be configured to identifyremoval/reattachment to/from a dispenser using a stretch sensorconfigured to change an electrical property (e.g., resistance) inresponse to being stretched. When the stretch sensor is stretched, thechanged electrical property can indicate that that accessory to whichthe stretch sensor is coupled has been coupled to or removed from aconsumables dispenser. For example, an accessory configured to couple toa cap of a pill bottle can include a stretch sensor configured tostretch when the cap is attached to or removed from the pill bottle.

The grip ring 422 can be configured to facilitate handling of theaccessory 400. The grip ring 422 can be formed from rubber and/or othermaterial configured to facilitate gripping of the accessory 400 by hand.The grip ring 422 can be particularly useful in gripping the accessory400 during attachment of the accessory 400 to and removal of theaccessory 400 from a dispenser. The grip ring 422 can be of a colordifferent than a color of the main body 424, e.g., a primary color gripring 422 and a white main body 424, etc., which can help improveaesthetics of the accessory 400 and/or can help facilitateidentification of the dispenser to which the accessory 400 is attached,e.g., an accessory with a yellow grip ring being attached to a person'sregular inhaler and another accessory with a red grip ring beingattached to the person's emergency inhaler. In some embodiments, themain body 424 can be color-coded in a similar way, e.g., differentcolored main bodies being attached to different consumable containers.

The main body 424 can include a proximal body 450 and a distal body 452.In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal and distal bodies 450, 452 canbe non-removably attached together in a fluid tight seal, which can helpprotect the components contained within the main body 424 and/or canhelp prevent fluid from leaking into the accessory 400 and damaging anycomponents disposed therein. The proximal and distal bodies 450, 452 canbe overmolded to form the main body 424 and be non-removably attachedtogether. The proximal portion's lid 408 and the distal portion's mainbody 424 can define a housing of the accessory 400 which, as discussedabove, can have some degree of flexibility (e.g., the deformation of thedistal body 452), can be transparent or translucent (e.g., at least thelid 408 through which a light can be configured to glow), can bewaterproof, can be permanently closed or sealed, and/or can beconfigured to be disposable.

The proximal body 450 can include a sensor protector 454 extendingdistally therefrom at a sidewall thereof, e.g., at a perimeter of theproximal body 450. The sensor protector 454 can be configured to havethe side sensor 438 disposed adjacent thereto, and the sensor protector454 can be configured to protect the side sensor 438 so positionedand/or be configured to facilitate electronic communication between theside sensor 438 and the PCB 442. The distal body 452 can include apocket 456 formed in a sidewall thereof and configured to receive thesensor protector 454 and the side sensor 438 therein. The pocket 456 canhelp protect the side sensor 438 from pressure applied thereto, e.g.,pressure directed radially outward from a dispenser inserted into thecavity 448.

The main body 424 can define the accessory's cavity 448 configured toreceive a dispenser, e.g., a canister such as the canister 402, in adistal portion thereof. The main body 424 can be configured to deform inresponse to insertion of the dispenser into the cavity 448. The cavity'ssidewall can be defined by an inner surface of the distal body 452, asin this illustrated embodiment. The distal body 452 can be formed from amaterial (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.) configured to flex so asto allow the deformation. The proximal body 450 can be formed from amaterial (e.g., ABS, etc.) that is more rigid than the material formingthe distal body 452, which can help provide stability to the main body424 and the accessory 400 while still allowing the accessory 400, e.g.,the distal body 452, to deform in response to the accessory 400 beingcoupled to a dispenser. The deformation of the accessory 400, e.g., ofthe main body's distal body 452, can facilitate a secure interferencefit between the accessory 400 and the dispenser to which the accessory400 is coupled. Different dispensers can have different sizes, and thedeformation can make the accessory 400 more versatile by facilitating asecure interference fit between the accessory 400 and different sizeddispensers.

The main body 424 can include a grip mechanism 458 which, as mentionedabove, can be configured to facilitate attachment of the accessory 400to a dispenser and can be configured to deform when the accessory 400 isattached to a dispenser. As in this illustrated embodiment, the gripmechanism 458 can include a plurality of protrusions extending radiallyinward from the cavity 448, e.g., from the inner surface of the distalbody 452 that defines the cavity 448. Although the accessory 400includes four grip mechanisms 458 in this illustrated embodiment, anaccessory can include another number of grip mechanisms. Each of thegrip mechanisms 458 can be configured to deform radially outward inresponse to pressure exerted thereon by a dispenser inserted into thecavity 448. In this illustrated embodiment, the protrusions each includea longitudinally extending rib that extends along an entire longitudinallength 448L of the cavity 448, as shown in FIG. 8. In this illustratedembodiment, the cavity's longitudinal length 448L of the cavity 448 isabout 0.32 in., but the longitudinal length 448L of the cavity 448 canbe different in other embodiments. Similarly, the accessory'slongitudinal length 400L is about 1.04 in. and the accessory's width400W is about 1.28 in. in this illustrated embodiment, but the accessory400 in other embodiments can have a different longitudinal length 400Land/or a different width 400W. The values of the accessory'slongitudinal length 400L and width 400W in this illustrated embodimentcan facilitate use of the accessory 400 with a variety of currentlyavailable respiratory inhalers.

The power source 426 can be configured to provide power to one or morecomponents of the accessory 400, e.g., components of the PCB 420. Theprocessor 441 can be configured to facilitate power saving by beingconfigured to move between a first state in which the power source 426provides a first amount of power to components of the accessory 400 anda second state in which the power source 426 provides a second, greateramount of power to the components of the accessory 400. The power source426 is in the form of a coin cell battery in this illustratedembodiment, and is only a single battery, but the power source in otherembodiments can be another type of power source (e.g., another type ofbattery, etc.) and/or can include more than one power source (e.g.,include a battery pack, etc.).

The power source protective member 428 can be configured to help protectthe power source 426 from being damaged during movement of the accessory400 when a consumable is being dispensed. The power source protectivemember 428 can have a size and shape corresponding to a size and shapeof the power source 426, which can facilitate full protection of thepower source. The power source protective member 428 in this illustratedembodiment includes a cushion, but the power source protective member428 can have other configurations in other embodiments.

The power source housing 430 can be configured to seat the power sourceprotective member 428 and the power source 426 therein. The power sourcehousing 430 can be permanently closed so as to prevent access to thepower source 426 seated therein or, as in this illustrated embodiment,the power source housing 430 can be configured to be selectively closedso as to allow access to the power source 426 seated therein. Allowingaccess to the power source 426 can allow the power source 426 to beremoved and replaced in the event that the power source 426 is depletedand/or allow the power source 426 to be removed for safety reasons priorto disposal of the accessory 400. The power source housing 430 can beconfigured to be selectively closed in a variety of ways. For example,as in this illustrated embodiment, the power source housing 430 can beconfigured to be detached from and reattached to the main body 424, suchas by being twisted. For another example, the power source housing 430can include a hinged door (not shown) configured to allow the powersource housing 430 to be selectively manually opened and closed.

An accessory can be configured to be attached to a consumables dispenserin a variety of different locations relative to the dispenser. In someembodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to a top of aconsumables dispenser. For example, the accessory can be configured toattach to a top of a canister of a dispenser, such as a canistercontaining respiratory medication and being configured to be seated in ahousing of the dispenser, e.g., an exterior plastic container of arespiratory inhaler (e.g., an asthma inhaler). The accessory 302 of theembodiment of FIG. 4, the accessory 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 7, andaccessories 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300, of theembodiments of FIGS. 14-21 are examples of accessories configured to beattached to a top of a dispenser. The specific locations whereaccessories are attached to dispensers in the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 14-21 as well as in other embodiments provided herein areexamples, and accessories can be attached at various other locations,e.g., a different location on an external surface of a dispenser.

The accessory 600 of FIG. 14 is a cap similar to the accessory 302 ofFIG. 4 and is shown in FIG. 14 coupled to a top of a canister 602 of aconsumable dispenser 604 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similar tothe dispenser 304 of FIG. 4. The dispenser 604 in this illustratedembodiment also has a second accessory 606 coupled thereto. The secondaccessory 606 in this illustrated embodiment includes a band or strapconfigured to be wrapped around the dispenser 604, e.g., around ahousing 608 thereof that seats the canister 602 therein and that isconfigured to be held by hand when the consumable is dispensed throughthe dispenser's mouthpiece 610. The second accessory 606 in thisillustrated embodiment includes a sensor in the form of a motion sensor.

In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the accessory 700 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 702 in the form of a pill bottle having areleasable cap 704 at a top thereof to which the accessory 700 iscoupled. The accessory 700 can include a motion sensor. The dispenser702 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 706coupled thereto, which can include a second motion sensor. The secondaccessory 706 in this illustrated embodiment is disposed inside thedispenser 702 where the pills are contained. The second accessory 706can be freely movable within the dispenser 702 similar to a pill beingfreely movable therein, as in this illustrated embodiment, which canfacilitate removing and replacing the second accessory 706.Alternatively, the second accessory can be coupled to an inner surfaceof the dispenser 702, e.g., to an interior sidewall thereof, such aswith an adhesive.

In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the accessory 800 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 802 in the form of a pill bottle having areleasable cap 804 at a top thereof to which the accessory 800 iscoupled. The dispenser 802 in this illustrated embodiment also has asecond accessory 806 coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiment of FIG.15, the two accessories 800, 806 can each include a motion sensor. Thesecond accessory 806 in this illustrated embodiment is coupled to anexterior surface of the dispenser 802. The second accessory 806 can beattached to the dispenser's exterior surface in a variety of ways, suchas by using a Velcro® strap 808 (as in this illustrated embodiment), anadhesive, etc.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the accessory 900 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 902 in the form of a lotion bottle having areleasable cap 904 at a top thereof to which the accessory 900 iscoupled. The dispenser 902 in this illustrated embodiment also has asecond accessory 906 coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiment of FIG.15, the two accessories 900, 906 can each include a motion sensor.Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 16, the second accessory 906 can becoupled to an exterior surface of the dispenser 902.

In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the accessory 1000 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1002 in the form of a pill box having a releasablecap 1004 at a top thereof to which the accessory 1000 is coupled. Thereleasable cap 1004 in this illustrated embodiment is hinged, but aswill be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, pill boxes in otherembodiments can have other types of releasable caps The dispenser 1002in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 1006 coupledthereto. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the two accessories 1000,1006 can each include a motion sensor. Similar to the embodiment of FIG.16, the second accessory 1006 can be coupled to an exterior surface ofthe dispenser 1002.

In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the accessory 1100 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1102 in the form of a squeezable cream tube havinga releasable cap 1104 at a top thereof to which the accessory 1000 iscoupled. The accessory 1100 can include a pressure sensor. The dispenser1102 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 1106coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14, the secondaccessory 1106 can include a motion sensor. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 16, the second accessory 1006 can be coupled to an exterior surfaceof the dispenser 1102.

In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the accessory 1200 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1202 in the form of a disc-shaped respiratoryinhaler having a mouthpiece 1204 through which a consumable (e.g., a drypowder) disposed in the dispenser 1202 can be dispensed in response toactuation of a slidable button 1026. Similar to the embodiment of FIG.14, the accessory 1200 can include a motion sensor. Similar to theembodiment of FIG. 16, the accessory 1200 can be coupled to an exteriorsurface of the dispenser 1202.

The accessory 1300 of FIG. 21 is a cap similar to the accessory 302 ofFIG. 4 and is shown in FIG. 14 coupled to a top of a canister 1302 of aconsumable dispenser 1304 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similarto the dispenser 304 of FIG. 4. The dispenser 1304 in this illustratedembodiment also has a second accessory 1306 coupled thereto. The secondaccessory 606 in this illustrated embodiment is to a bottom of thedispenser 1304 and includes a pressure sensor configured to detectpressure changes caused by movement of the canister 1302 relative to ahousing 1308 of the dispenser 1304.

In some embodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to abottom of a consumables dispenser. For example, the accessory can beconfigured to attach to a bottom of a consumables dispenser's canisteradjacent a mouthpiece of the dispenser through which the consumable canbe dispensed, the canister being configured to be depressed by a user todispense the consumable out a mouthpiece of the dispenser. Theaccessories 1306 and 1400 of the embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22 areexamples of accessories configured to be attached to a bottom of adispenser.

The accessory 1400 of FIG. 22 is positioned adjacent a mouthpiece 1402of a consumables dispenser 1404, which in this illustrated embodimentincludes a respiratory inhaler, within a passageway 1406 of thedispenser's housing 1410 through which the consumable 1412 contained inthe dispenser's canister 1408 can be released. The accessory 1400 inthis illustrated embodiment includes an air pressure sensor configuredto sense changes in air pressure

In some embodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to aside of a consumables dispenser. For example, the accessory can beconfigured to attach to a sidewall of a pill bottle. For anotherexample, the accessory can be configured to be attached to a sidewall ofa dispenser housing configured to seat a medication canister therein.The accessories 606, 706, 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1500, 1600, 1700, and1800 of the embodiments of FIGS. 14-19, and 23-26 are examples ofaccessories configured to be attached to a side of a dispenser.

In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the accessory 1500 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1502 in the form of a pill bottle similar to thedispenser 702 of FIG. 15. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14, theaccessory 1500 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to thedispenser 702 with a band or strap, e.g., around an exterior surface ofthe bottle below the bottle's cap 1504.

In the embodiment of FIG. 24, the accessory 1600 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1602 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similarto the dispenser 304 of FIG. 4. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14,the accessory 1600 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to thedispenser 1602 with a band or strap, e.g., around an exterior surface ofthe dispenser's housing 1604.

In the embodiment of FIG. 25, the accessory 1700 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1702 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similarto the dispenser 304 of FIG. 4. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14,the accessory 1700 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to thedispenser 1702 with a clip, e.g., clipped to an exterior surface of thedispenser's housing 1604.

In the embodiment of FIG. 26, the accessory 1800 is coupled to aconsumables dispenser 1802 in the form of a pill box similar to thedispenser 1002 of FIG. 18. The pill box 1802 in this illustratedembodiment is rectangular, while the pill box 1002 of FIG. 18 iscircular. Pill boxes can have other shapes in other embodiments. Similarto the embodiment of FIG. 14, the accessory 1800 can include a motionsensor and can be coupled to the dispenser 1802 with a band or strap,e.g., around an exterior surface of the dispenser 1802.

In some embodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to apart of a consumables dispenser configured to be manually actuated by auser to dispense the consumable from the dispenser. The part of thedispenser can be located at a variety of locations, depending on theconfiguration of the dispenser, e.g., at a top of the dispenser, on aside of the dispenser, etc. For example, the accessory can be configuredto attach to a top of a consumables dispenser's canister, which can beconfigured to be depressed by a user to dispense the consumable out amouthpiece of the dispenser. For another example, the accessory can beconfigured to attach to a pill bottle cap configured to be unscrewedfrom the pill bottle to allow consumables (e.g., pills) to be dispensedfrom the pill bottle. The accessory 310 of the embodiment of FIG. 4, theaccessory 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 7, and accessories 600, 700,800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1300, of the embodiments of FIGS. 14-19 and 21are examples of accessories configured to be attached to a part of aconsumables dispenser configured to be manually actuated by a user todispense the consumable from the dispenser.

In some embodiments, a consumables dispenser can have a plurality ofaccessories coupled thereto. Each of the accessories can be coupled to atop of the dispenser, each of the accessories can be coupled to a bottomof the dispenser, each of the accessories can be coupled to a side ofthe dispenser, each of the accessories can be coupled to a part of aconsumables dispenser configured to be manually actuated by a user todispense the consumable from the dispenser, or the accessories can eachbe coupled to the dispenser at different locations (e.g., one accessorycoupled to a top of a dispenser and another accessory coupled to abottom of the dispenser, one accessory coupled to a part of aconsumables dispenser configured to be manually actuated by a user todispense the consumable from the dispenser and another accessory coupledto a side of the dispenser, etc.).

FIGS. 14-19 and 21 illustrate embodiments of dispensers each having aplurality of accessories coupled thereto. A dispenser having a pluralityof accessories coupled thereto can help better distinguish falsepositives from actual instances of the consumable being dispensedbecause dispensing can be verified in at least two ways, e.g., verifiedonce with each accessory. A processor associated with the dispenser,e.g., a processor that is part of one of the accessories, can beconfigured to determine that a consumable was dispensed only when all ofthe accessories indicate that a consumable has been dispensed, e.g.,when all of the accessories have been activated. A dispenser having aplurality of accessories coupled thereto can allow one of theaccessories to be removed from the dispenser for repair, replacement,etc. without having to disturb the other one or more accessories coupledto the dispenser.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of accessoriescan be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser, and at leastone other of the plurality of accessories can be non-removably coupledto the dispenser. In this way, the dispenser can be ensured of having atleast one accessory coupled thereto at all times since at least one ofthe accessories can be non-removably coupled thereto. Thus, if an erroroccurs with the removable and replaceable accessory/accessories, thendispensing of consumables can still be accurately determined by aprocessor associated with the dispenser considering activation of theproperly attached and properly functioning one or more of the pluralityof accessories. Examples of such errors include as a person forgettingto removably attach an accessory to the dispenser before using theaccessory, an accessory not being properly removably coupled to thedispenser, and an accessory's battery being depleted.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of accessoriescan be configured to be manually manipulated to cause dispensing of theconsumable from the dispenser (e.g., be pressed to dispense theconsumable as with an accessory in the form of a cap coupled to aninhaler canister), and at least one other of the plurality ofaccessories can be configured to passively detect dispensing of theconsumable (e.g., be a sensor configured to passively sense a parametersuch as motion, pH, temperature, noise, or geographic location).Dispensing of the consumable can thus be more accurately determined thanif the dispenser has no passive accessories or if the dispenser has noaccessories configured to cause consumable dispensing by usermanipulation thereof because the dispensing can be detected in differentways.

A dispenser can include a plurality of accessories with at least two ofthe accessories including a motion-sensitive member. As discussed above,a difference in motion detected by the at least two motion-sensitivemembers can indicate that a consumable was dispensed. In someembodiments, each of the plurality of accessories can include amotion-sensitive member, while in other embodiments, at least two of theplurality of accessories can include a motion-sensitive member and atleast one of the plurality of accessories can lack a motion-sensitivemember and be configured to be detect dispensing of a consumable inanother way, e.g., by sensing temperature, by being depressed, etc.

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of aconsumables analysis system 1900. The system 1900 can include aplurality of modules which can each be implemented using one or moredigital data processing systems of the type described above, and inparticular using one or more web pages which can be viewed, manipulated,and/or interacted with using such digital data processing systems. Thesystem 1900 can thus be implemented on a single computer system, or canbe distributed across a plurality of computer systems. The system 1900also includes at least one database, which can be stored on and accessedby computer systems. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in theart that any of the modules or databases disclosed herein can besubdivided or can be combined with other modules or databases.

The system 1900 can include an accessory data input module 1902, aremote data input module 1904, an adherence module 1906, and aconsumables module 1908, and an incentives module 1910. Any of theaccessory data input module 1902, the remote data input module 1904, theadherence module 1906, and the consumables module 1908, and theincentives module 1910 can be used independently from one another andcan be used in combination with any one or more of the other modules1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910. Each of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906,1908, 1910 is discussed further below in turn. Although each of themodules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910 is illustrated in FIG. 27 as asingle-component module, each of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908,1910 can include any number of component modules, e.g., one, two, three,etc., the same or different from any of the other modules 1902, 1904,1906, 1908, 1910. Further, as mentioned above, it will be appreciated bya person skilled in the art that any of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906,1908, 1910, and any of their various component modules, can besubdivided or can be combined with other modules, including modulesillustrated in FIG. 27 as being in different ones of the modules 1902,1904, 1906, 1908, 1910.

The system 1900 can also include an accessory data database 1912 and aremote data database 1914. The accessory data database 1912 can beconfigured to be accessible by the accessory data input module 1902 andto store data regarding a mechanical accessory. The remote data database1914 can be configured to be accessible by the remote data input module1904 and to store data regarding individuals in an individual database1916 and data regarding incentives in an incentives database 1918. Eachof the databases 1912, 1914 can include any number of componentdatabases, e.g., one, two, three, etc., the same or different from anyof the other databases 1912, 1914. As mentioned above, a person skilledin the art will appreciate that any of the databases 1912, 1914, and anyof their various component databases (if any), can be subdivided or canbe combined with other databases, including databases illustrated inFIG. 27 as being in different ones of the databases 1912, 1914. Anyportion of any of the databases 1912, 1914 can be configured to beaccessed, e.g., read from and/or written to, by any one or more of themodules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910 and any additional module(s) (ifany). Although the system 1900 in the illustrated embodiment stores datain database(s), any of the systems disclosed herein can store data indatabase(s) and/or in other memor(y/ies).

Generally, the system 1900 can be configured to allow individual data1916 to be input via the accessory data input module 1902 and remotedata 1914 to be input via the remote data input module 1904. Theadherence module 1906 can be configured to analyze the input individualdata 1916 and/or the input remote data 1914 so as to output anindication of at least one individual's adherence to a predeterminedconsumables schedule. The consumables module 1908 can be configured toanalyze the input individual data 1914 and/or the input remote data 1914so as to output one or more recommended changes to a patient'spredetermined consumables schedule, one or more recommended changes tohow soon before a dose is due are consumable dose notifications providedto the person by an accessory attached to a consumables dispenser,and/or one or more recommended changes to a patient's consumable (e.g.,change to different brand, etc.). The incentives module 1910 can beconfigured to analyze the input individual data 1916 and/or the inputremote data 1914 so as to output incentives data for at least oneindividual. The system 1900, embodiments thereof, and embodiments ofuser interfaces that can be provided thereby are described in furtherdetail in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/US 13/047,507.

Although the invention has been described by reference to specificembodiments, a person skilled in the art will understand that numerouschanges may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventiveconcepts described. A person skilled in the art will appreciate furtherfeatures and advantages of the invention based on the above-describedembodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what hasbeen particularly shown and described, except as indicated by theappended claims. All publications and references cited herein areexpressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a mechanical accessoryremovably and replaceably attachable to a consumables container that ismovably coupled to a housing such that the movement of the container andthe accessory as a unit relative to the housing is effective to dispensethe consumable, the accessory including a sensor configured to sensewhen the accessory is attached to the container, a processor, and awireless communication mechanism, the processor being configured tocause the wireless communication mechanism to wirelessly transmit dataindicative of the sensed attachment to an external device that isexternal to the accessory and the dispenser; and wherein the accessoryis configured to determine when the consumable is dispensed from thecontainer.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configuredto sense when the accessory is removed from the container, and theprocessor is configured to receive a second signal from the sensor inresponse to the sensor sensing the accessory being removed from thecontainer.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes atleast one of a motion sensor and a pressure sensor, and the sensor isconfigured to sense when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a pressuresensor, the pressure sensor being configured to have pressure appliedthereto by the container in response to the accessory being attached tothe container, and the processor being configured to determine that theaccessory has been attached to the container when the pressure sensorhas the pressure applied thereto.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe pressure sensor is configured to have the pressure releasedtherefrom in response to the accessory being removed from the container,and the processor being configured to determine that the accessory hasbeen removed from the container when the pressure sensor has thepressure released therefrom.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesensor includes a motion sensor, and the processor is configured todetermine that the accessory has been attached to the dispenser when themotion sensor senses a first predetermined motion of the accessory. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured todetermine that the accessory has been removed from the dispenser whenthe motion sensor senses a second predetermined motion of the accessorythat is different from the first predetermined motion.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to sense when an electricalcircuit is closed, thereby indicating that the accessory has beenattached to the container.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a memory, the sensor being configured to trigger theprocessor to store data in the memory regarding the attachment inresponse to the sensor sensing the attachment, and the data transmittedby the wireless communication mechanism includes the stored data. 10.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second sensor configuredto sense when the consumable is dispensed from the container.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, further comprising a second mechanical accessoryattachable to the dispenser, the second accessory including the secondsensor.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the accessory includesthe sensor at a first location and includes the second sensor at alocation that is different from the first location.
 13. An apparatus,comprising: a mechanical accessory removably and replaceably attachableto a consumables dispenser containing a consumable that is dispensablefrom the dispenser, the accessory including a sensor configured to senseattachment of the accessory to the dispenser using one of pressuresensing and motion sensing, a processor configured to cause theaccessory to provide a first notification in response to the sensorsensing that the accessory is attached to the dispenser so as to notifya user that the accessory has been attached to the dispenser, and awireless communication mechanism, the processor being configured tocause the wireless communication mechanism to wirelessly transmit datato an external device that is external to the accessory and thedispenser; and wherein the accessory is configured to determine when theconsumable is dispensed from the dispenser.
 14. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a motion sensor and apressure sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense when theconsumable is dispensed from the dispenser.
 15. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the sensor is configured to sense when the accessory isremoved from the dispenser, and the processor is configured to provide asecond notification when the sensor senses that the accessory is removedfrom the dispenser so as to notify the user that the accessory has beenremoved from the dispenser.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising a second sensor configured to sense when the consumable isdispensed from the dispenser.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising: a housing; and a container disposed within the housing, thecontainer containing the consumable therein, and the container beingmovable relative to the housing so as to cause the consumable to bedispensed; wherein the accessory is removably and replaceably attachableto the container such that the accessory is movable with the containerrelative to the housing so as to cause the consumable to be dispensed.18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the dispenser includes a housinghaving the consumable disposed therein, the accessory being removablyand replaceably attachable to an external surface of the housing, andthe housing includes at least one of a pill bottle, a pill box, asqueezable tube, a squeezable bottle, a syringe, a blister pack, and arespiratory inhaler.
 19. A method, comprising: attaching a mechanicalaccessory to a container of a consumables dispenser movably disposedwithin a housing of the consumables dispenser, wherein a sensor sensesthe attachment and a transmitter wirelessly transmits first data fromthe accessory to an external device, the first data being indicative ofthe sensed attachment, and the external device being external to theaccessory and the dispenser; and moving the accessory and the containerrelative to the housing so as to dispense a consumable contained in thecontainer, wherein the transmitter wirelessly transmits second data fromthe accessory to the external device, the second data being indicativeof the dispensing.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingdetaching the accessory from the container, wherein the sensor sensesthe detachment and the transmitter wirelessly transmits third data fromthe accessory to the external device, the third data being indicative ofthe sensed detachment.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising,after the sensed detachment, attaching the accessory to a secondcontainer containing a second consumable, wherein the sensor senses theattachment of the accessory to the second container and the transmitterwirelessly transmits third data from the accessory to the externaldevice, the third data being indicative of the sensed attachment to thesecond container.
 22. The method of claim 19, further comprising, withthe accessory attached to the dispenser, providing a notification to auser indicating that the consumable is due to be consumed according to apredetermined schedule.